NEO Masetlo (25) was sentenced to life imprisonment by Schweizer Reneke Regional Court on Wednesday, 24 May, for raping a 17-year-old pregnant teen.
Masetlo’s conviction emanates from an incident that happened in Ipelegeng, North West on 20 July 2018.
This was after the accused bumped into the complainant and grabbed her while hurling insults at her.
According to police information, he then instructed her to go with him to an unknown location, where she subsequently attempted to escape but failed as she fell and injured herself.
The court heard how the accused took out a knife, threatened her to the point that she eventually gave in and walked with him.
The complainant only knew the accused as one of the gang members in Ipelegeng location. Along the way, the complainant saw people sitting outside in a yard and ran to ask for help.
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The suspect followed her and threatened some of the men who were reprimanding him.
He subsequently assaulted the complainant and told them that she was the mother of his children.
He then took her to a house where he repeatedly raped her and only allowed her to leave in the morning after she promised to return.
Following his arrest, Masetlo was denied bail after pleading not guilty to all charges.
State prosecutor Mpho Sephapo argued that the accused had an opportunity to let go of the victim when he was reprimanded at the house where the teen sought refuge, but he didn't.
Magistrate Patricia Rangwako agreed with the state, adding that women and children have a right to free movement without fearing for their lives.
Following a series of court appearances, Masetlo was handed a life sentence and a further five years for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH).
Masetlo was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his name was entered in the register of sexual offenders.
