Qalabotjha man handed 15-years for rape

A 23-year-old rape victim has finally saw justice after the Frankfort Magistrate Court handed down a harsh, 15 years sentence to the rapist on Friday, 27 May.

According to Fezile Dabi District spokesperson, Malebo Khosana, the alleged rape incident took charge last year at the sheeben, in Qalabotjha, Villiers.

Where a 39-year-old accused, Shwalane Richard Mollo, proposed love to the victim, and the victim denied the accused at that time.

“The victim reported that she was at the sheeben with her friend enjoying beer, while still there a man known as “Genesis” who is Shwalane, approached and told her to follow him as her boyfriend is calling her,” said Khosana.

According to the victim, the boyfriend was not there upon their arrival and Shwalane suggested that they move to a distance corner.

The accused started proposing his love to the victim and when she denied, he assaulted her and moved her to one of the houses where he raped her.

“A case of rape was reported and police officers swiftly arrested the suspect on the same day,” explained Khosana.

Fezile Dabi District commissioner, general Moses Makubo said future rapists must know that their bad actions will lead to lengthy sentences.

“”The sentence will send a strong message to would-be rapists that their bad actions will result in lengthy sentences,” said general Makubo.

Villiers: Frankfort Magistrate’s Court finalized a case of a man who raped a woman in Villiers with a harsh 15 years sentence. The sentence was passed on Friday, 27 May 2022.

The accused, 39 years old Shwalane Richard Mollo, was arrested by WO Lizzy Mahlasela on Sunday 13 June 2021 at about 14:00 following a horrible rape incident reported by a 23 year old female victim. The victim reported that she was at a shebeen in Qalabotjha, Villiers with her friend enjoying beer on Sunday, 13 June 2021.

While still there, a male known to her as “Genesis” Shwalane Mollo approached and told her to follow him outside as her boyfriend is calling her. She followed and the boyfriend was not there. She was told that he must be at a distant corner and they must go and check him.

She further reported that on arrival at the dark corner the boyfriend was not there. The court heard how he grabbed her hand and told her he proposed love to her but she rejected him for her boyfriend. Her response was that it is the first time she hears that. The accused then started assaulting her and took her to one of the houses where he raped her.

A case of rape was reported and SAPS members swiftly arrested the suspect on the same day. Investigation was thoroughly conducted by Sgt Umlindelwa Mnguni and court took over. The prosecutor was Mrs Marel De Beer and Magistrate passing a 15 years direct imprisonment was Mrs Mamello Thamae.

The sentence was welcomed by Fezile Dabi District Commissioner Maj Gen Moses Makhubo. “The sentence will send a strong message to would-be rapists that their bad actions will result in lengthy sentences,” concluded Maj Gen Makubo.