QWAQWA – A man from Qwaqwa who went into hiding over a decade following his conviction for gang rape is set to reappear in the Tseseng Magistrate’s Court on 14 July. Warrant Officer Mmako Mphiring, spokesperson for the Free State police, said Kenneth Lepota (36) was remanded in custody after appearing on Tuesday with the long-delayed sentencing proceedings postponed to the new date. His appearance comes after police arrested him last Friday – ending more than a decade on the run.
“A community member who spotted Lepota in Tseseng Village, alerted the investigating officer, leading to his immediate arrest,” said Mophiring, with a warrant for arrest been issued during intensive search.
He said following conviction in 2014, Lepota failed to appear for sentencing proceedings along with his co-accused Morena Mokoena. Mophiring said the latter was already serving a life sentence following sentencing in 2014 for gang rape of a woman from the same village.
“Lepota and Mokoena, including a third accused, now deceased were convicted of gang rape of a woman then 26-years old in 2011. The third accused died before sentencing could take place,” said Mophiring. He said the victim positively identified the three perpetrators, who took turns raping her.
“They were subsequently arrested, prosecuted and convicted of rape in 2014,” he said. Mophiring evidence revealed they overpowered the victim on 6 April 2011, at approximately 00:45. “The woman was walking home, returning from a local tavern in the company of a friend when they were confronted by three men. They forcefully grabbed the victim, dragged her into nearby bushes, and raped her,” said Mophiring.
The Free State Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia, has commended the community member for providing valuable information that led to the arrest. “The public remains the eyes and ears of the police. This arrest demonstrates the importance of community cooperation in ensuring that offenders are brought to justice, regardless of how much time has passed. We hope this development will bring a measure of closure to the victim and her family,” he said.
