Mohau Maretele
Schweizer reneke – A 25-year-old convicted rapist, Deon Neo Masetlo, has been slapped with a life imprisonment sentence for raping a 17-year-old pregnant girl, and an additional five years for assault.
Judge Patricia Rangwako delivered the sentencing at the Schweizer Reneke Regional Court on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, with a remark that women and children have a right to free movement, without fearing for their lives. Judge Rangwako further highlighted the important role courts play in protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
According to reports, on July 20, 2018, in Ipelegeng, Masetlo came across the complainant and grabbed her while hurling insults at her. He then instructed her to go with him to an unknown location, The complainant tried to escape but failed as she fell and injured herself. Masetlo then took out a knife and threatened her to the point that she gave in and walked with him. Along the way, she saw people sitting outside in a yard, and she managed to run and ask for help. He followed her and threatened some of the men who were reprimanding him, telling them that she’s the mother of his children.
The accused then took the complainant to a house where he repeatedly raped her and only allowed her to leave in the morning after she promised to come back if he granted her permission to leave.
The matter was reported to the police, and Masetlo was arrested and denied bail. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
State prosecutor Mpho Sephapo and Warrant Officer Tello Hlatshwayo of the SAPS have been lauded for their commitment to bringing the perpetrator to book.
Masetlo has been declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his name will be entered in the register of sexual offenders.
