The Limpopo High Court in Thohoyandou on Tuesday handed down hefty sentences to two convicted rapists who terrorised university students during a robbery.
Samuel Ramollo was sentenced to 40 years' imprisonment while his co-accused Sello Letsoalo, 24, was sentenced to 33 years.
The two were convicted on charges of rape and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the pair traumatised tertiary students who reside at Mankweng student's residence and assaulted them during a robbery.
The court heard that during February 2015, Ramollo and Letsoalo went to the rooms that were rented by the students outside the University of Limpopo's campus. The broke the window, held up the two victims with a firearm and ordered them to open the door.
"They then raped one of the victims and robbed them of their cellphones. Thorough follow-ups by our operatives, that also included forensic investigation, led to the arrest of the two," said Mojapelo.
Provincial Police Commissioner of Limpopo Lieutenant-General Nneke Ledwaba commended all members who were involved in cracking these cases.
He said the sentences that were meted against the accused should send a clear message to those that are still anticipating committing similar crimes that the police will be relentless in pursuing them.
