By Staff Reporter
TZANEEN-The Tzaneen Magistrate’s court handed hefty sentences to an accomplice to gang rape and 2 counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The court sentenced 26-year-old Donald Ngobeni from Khujwana village to 20 years imprisonment for rape, 10 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and 10 more years for count 3 which is also robbery with aggravating circumstances.
It is alleged that on 16 September 2016 then 25-year-old girl was in a panic at Modjadji dam Matswi village Bolobedu with her boyfriend next to their car when they were accosted by the then 19-year-old Donald Ngobeni and his friend Lucky Mukansi who was 28 at the time.
It is further alleged that the then 26-year-old girl and her boyfriend were pointed with a firearm and the two assailants Ngobeni and Mukansi robbed the two lovebirds of their cellphones, a laptop and an undisclosed amount of cash.
It is further alleged that Ngobeni and Mukansi took turns to rape the then 26-year-old female after firing a shot in the air.
Tzaneen Police Spokesman Sergeant Maurice Nkhwashu said that a case docket of rape and robbery with aggravating circumstances was opened at Bolobedu SAPS and was assigned to Tzaneen FCS unit investigating officer Constable Kgatla Khetate Enock who has since been promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
“The resilient investigative skills of Sergeant Kgatle led to the arrest of the two suspects Ngobeni and Mukansi in November 2016.
“The two have been in custody since the arrest because the investigation officer successfully opposed their bail applications.
“Donald Ngobeni has since pleaded guilty to the offences and was handed the hefty sentences whilst his accomplice Lucky Mukansi is still on trial.
“The sentences of 20 years for rape,10 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and another 10 years count for robbery with aggravating circumstances will run concurrently”, added Sergeant Nkhwashu
