The Senwabarwana Regional Court has sentenced three men to life imprisonment for the rape of a 15-year-old girl in Ga-Makgato village, Capricorn District.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, September 29, 2018. The victim was at a local tavern with friends when she went to use the restroom at approximately 04:00. As she approached the facility, Marope Mahlatse Lucky (28) and Ndou Ngwako Small (26) blocked her path and forcibly dragged her down the street. A nearby security guard attempted to intervene but was sworn at by the accused.
The victim was taken to a nearby two-roomed house, where she was repeatedly raped by Lucky, Small, and Modau Tjapudi Tebogo (30). During the assault, Mosena Thabang (31) and Semata Johannes (28) arrived and joined in the attack. The victim was released later that same morning.
Following her release, a rape case was opened, and all five suspects were arrested on September 29, 2018. The suspects were subsequently released on bail. However, arrest warrants were issued for Thabang and Small after they failed to attend subsequent court hearings.
The remaining three accused were found guilty on May 25, 2026. On Monday, June 22, 2026, Marope Mahlatse Lucky (28), Modau Tjapudi Tebogo (30), and Semata Johannes (28) were each sentenced to life imprisonment for rape.