Rustenburg – The Tlhabane Regional Court in the North West has sentenced 29-year-old Omolemo Modise to life imprisonment for raping a 15-year-old girl.
The convicted rapist was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The conviction of the pedophile emanates from an incident that occurred on 20 November 2022.
Narrating the complainant’s ordeal, National Prosecuting Authority North West Spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the 15-year-old girl was sent by her aunt to deliver a key to Modise’s parental home.
“Upon arrival, the accused invited her inside the house, and subsequently dragged her to one of the rooms and raped her,” said Mamothame.
“The complainant relayed her ordeal to her friend at school the following day, as she feared telling her aunt who is her guardian as both her parents are deceased.
“The complainant’s friend reported the matter to her parents who immediately informed her aunt, and the matter was reported to the police.”
Modise was arrested on 22 November 2023.
The accused pleaded not guilty and persuaded the court to grant him R1 000 bail.
During sentencing, Prosecutor Zola Mpiyakhe argued for a harsh sentence because of the prevalence of rape in the country, particularly against women and children.
He urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence as there were no compelling and exceptional circumstances to do so.
Magistrate Shubi Mamabolo agreed with the state and imposed life imprisonment on Modise.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr. Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecutor, Detective Sergeant Olebogeng Tsame from the South African Police Service (SAPS), Kenosi Pako, the Court Preparation Officer who gave the necessary support and guidance to the complainant in preparation for trial, and all role players who ensured that the complainant receives the justice she deserves.
