Four years after the vicious gang rape of a 53-year-old Bultfontein woman, three men have each received two life sentences for rape and murder, plus an additional five years for robbery, for this heinous crime.
The woman never regained consciousness after her rape ordeal, and died three months later.
The three accused, Khothatso Pudumo (29), Papi Nikane (28) and Lehlohonolo Mphirime (40), were found guilty and sentenced by the Odendaalsrus Regional Court on Friday, 31 May.
The first accused was linked to the crime through DNA, and the other two were linked through the cellphone they had stolen from the victim.
On 30 January 2020, at about 05:20, the victim was on her way home when three unknown African men attacked her, dragged her to nearby bushes, and took turns in raping her.
While one of the rapists was busy, the other two kicked her in the head.
Afterwards, they robbed her of her clothes and cellphone, and left her unconscious.
She was later discovered, on the same day, by a passerby who called the Bultfontein police.
A case of rape, murder, and robbery was registered for further investigation by the Bultfontein Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit, with Const. Lerato Mokopi.
The victim was taken to hospital but never regained consciousness.
She subsequently died on 11 April 2020.
“There were no witnesses to this gruesome incident,” says Capt. Stephen Thakeng, Lejweleputswa media liaison officer.
After a thorough investigation, the first accused was linked to the crime through DNA and the other two accused were linked by the stolen cellphone that was sold to someone after the incident.
With all the evidence presented in court, magistrate M. Gusha handed down the harsh punishment to each of the accused.Pudumo, Nikane and Mphirime each received life in jail for rape, life in jail for murder and five years each in jail for robbery.
There were no witnesses to this gruesome incident.
– Capt. Stephen Thakeng
