MAKHANDA, EASTERN CAPE – The Makhanda High Court has sentenced truck driver Thosoo Melton Motaung (43) to an effective 20 years’ imprisonment for the kidnapping and repeated rape of a 16-year-old girl.

The case was heard at the KuGompo High Court during the week of 8 to 11 June, where the young victim testified. The matter was postponed to 15 June for legal arguments and judgment, after which the court reserved its decision. On Friday 7 August, the Makhanda High Court delivered the final sentencing.

The crime

According to a police statement, the 16-year-old victim was hiking along the N9 road to Willowmore on Saturday 25 February 2023 when she accepted a lift from Motaung. Instead of dropping her off, he drove past the town and raped her. He then took her to Johannesburg, where he raped her again, before driving her to Gqeberha.

Police said the victim managed to alert family members in Gqeberha, who contacted Detective Sergeant Angus Mpondo, acting unit commander of the Willowmore Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.

Through coordinated efforts with Detective Sergeant Pietersen of Galvendale Detectives, the victim was located and safely rescued. She was taken for a medical examination and positively reported being raped by the accused.

Sentencing

Motaung was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for kidnapping, 20 years for rape on count 2, and 20 years for rape on count 3. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective 20 years’ imprisonment.

Motaung has been declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name has been entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders.

‘Relentless pursuit of justice’

“This conviction demonstrates our relentless pursuit of justice for victims of gender-based violence. I commend Detective Sergeants Mpondo and Pietersen for their swift actions that rescued the young survivor and ensured a thorough investigation. We trust this sentence will bring closure to the victim and her family,” said Eastern Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata.

ALSO READ: Killer of DJ Warras sentenced to 25 years in plea deal with the State