The sentence of Alex Thato Tshipagaebonwe was handed down after a thorough investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) ensured the perpetrator was brought to justice. Police spokesperson Lt. Col. Sergio Kock said on September 12, 2021, the young victim was playing with friends when she was taken by the accused into a nearby room and sexually assaulted. 

“The victim reported the incident to her mother, and the accused was subsequently arrested.”

Acting district commissioner for John Taolo Gaetsewe Brig. Kenneth Baloyi praised the work of Det. Const. Tholakele Majola of the Kuruman family violence, child protection, and sexual offenses unit. “This truly ensured that no impunity is granted to perpetrators of these heinous Gender Based Violence and Femicide crimes,” said Baloyi.

In addition to his life sentence, Tshipagaebonwe’s name will be entered into the sexual offenders’ register, and he has been declared unfit to own a firearm, added Kock.

Security guards sentenced

In a separate case, two security guards from Kimberley were each sentenced to 15 years in prison for the murder of a 51-year-old man. The Kimberley Regional Court handed down the sentence to Itumeleng Mogwemang, 37, and Neo Potlwane, 33.

According to Sgt Timothy Sam, the incident occurred on 9 April 2022, when the two men, working as security guards at a local supermarket, caught the victim, Willem van der Westhuizen, stealing from the store.

They severely assaulted him, and he later died from his injuries while on his way to the hospital. They were subsequently arrested and charged with murder.

OFM News mvh