A 26-year-old man who posed as a photographer on social media to lure young women before raping them has been sentenced to four life terms by a Johannesburg court.
Victor Mokoena was convicted of four counts of rape, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and pointing an object resembling a firearm. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the substantial sentences handed down by the court.
Mokoena received life imprisonment on each of the four rape counts, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, two years for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and one year for pointing an object resembling a firearm. The sentences on the remaining counts will run concurrently with the life sentences.
Fake photographer targeted women on Facebook and Instagram
Mokoena operated in and around Johannesburg between March 2021 and October 2024, targeting young women through Facebook and Instagram. He presented himself as a photographer or promoter and lured his victims with offers of modelling, promotional and photoshoot opportunities.
Once the victims arrived at the agreed locations, Mokoena took them to secluded areas where he raped and assaulted them. In some instances, he strangled the victims, threatened them with an object resembling a firearm and robbed them of their belongings.
He also deleted conversations and contact details from the victims’ mobile phones in an apparent attempt to conceal his identity and frustrate the investigation.
Digital evidence linked multiple cases
The investigation linked several cases through the similarities in Mokoena’s modus operandi and digital evidence obtained from the victims. Investigators established that he had used different names when communicating with his victims.
Sergeant Nedombeloni’s investigation ultimately linked the various cases to Mokoena.
Court finds rapist posed danger to society
State Advocate Hope Zwane, in aggravation of sentence, submitted that Mokoena’s deliberate planning and persistence in identifying and luring his victims to secluded locations demonstrated that he posed a danger to society.
The court concurred with the state’s submissions and found that Mokoena had treated his victims with disdain and had used derogatory language towards them.
The NPA commended the investigating officers and prosecution team for their diligent efforts in linking the various cases and ensuring that Mokoena was held accountable for his crimes.
Members of the public, particularly young people, are urged to exercise caution when responding to unsolicited offers or opportunities on social media and to verify individuals’ identities before meeting them in person.
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