The Atamelang Regional Court has sentenced Tumelo Jeremia Ratshio (26) to life imprisonment for the rape of a 15-year-old girl, a sentence welcomed by Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo.
The court heard that on February 1, 2020, the victim was alone at her home in Modibingo village when Ratshio entered the residence, overpowered her, and raped her. The incident was reported immediately, and a case was opened with the police, leading to the accused’s arrest on March 16, 2020.
Ratshio pleaded not guilty, claiming the act was consensual. The court found him guilty based on credible and corroborated evidence presented during the trial.
In addition to the life sentence, Ratshio was declared unfit to possess a firearm. His name will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders, and he was further declared unsuitable to work with children.
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