06 Feb 2014

Serowe Magistrate Court, on January 31, sentenced Victor Mpateng (22) to 10 years imprisonment for rape.

Sentencing the accused, Principal Magistrate, Mr Kgololesego Segabo said though the convict pleaded for a lenient sentence, the court could not find any extenuating circumstances to temper justice with mercy. He added that the victim, who is a minor, was traumatised and her private parts were injured by the convict.

The magistrate said he had taken into consideration that the accused pleaded for lenient sentence on grounds that he committed the offence under the influence of alcohol and some pastors had told him that he had demons.

Also, the presiding officer said during mitigation, Mpateng  said he was haunted by witchcraft as he was once kidnapped by people whom he believed were witches and  he sometimes  saw strange images and heard strange sounds.

Furthermore, the accused person said while in detention, some inmates demanded sexual intercourse from him. According to the particulars of the offence, in August 17, 2012 at Metsimasweu stream in Serowe, Mpateng raped the minor girl who was from school. ENDS