Justice has caught up with two sexual predators thanks to the relentless work of Seshego’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. One offender will spend the rest of his life behind bars, while another begins a 15-year prison sentence.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said that in the first case, 44-year-old Kgadi Joseph Lekgwara was sentenced to three life terms after being found guilty of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old girl in October 2021.
According to court proceedings, Lekgwara took advantage of moments when the victim was alone at home, attacking her on three different occasions in what was described as a calculated and deeply disturbing pattern of abuse.
"The heinous crimes began on Friday, 01 October 2021, when Lekgwara entered the victim's home and sexually assaulted her. Displaying predatory persistence, he returned on Monday, 04 October 2021, and again on Wednesday, 06 October 2021, subjecting the vulnerable teenager to repeated sexual assault."
Ledwaba further added that the court was presented with overwhelming evidence, leading to Lekgwara’s conviction on all three counts of rape. The Regional Court Magistrate handed down the maximum possible sentence, ordering life imprisonment for each count, reflecting the severity of the crimes committed.
In addition, Lekgwara’s information will be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders and Part B of the National Child Protection Register, which will permanently prevent him from working with children.
"Additional orders ensure Lekgwara is deemed legally unfit to possess a firearm, with provisions for the search and seizure of any weapons in his possession.
''Furthermore, his details will be recorded in both the National Register for Sex Offenders and Part B of the National Child Protection Register, permanently barring him from working with children," Ledwaba added.
In a separate case, 38-year-old Malisela Elias Ramaoka received a 15-year direct prison sentence for the rape of a 19-year-old woman.
According to Ledwaba, the incident took place on March 16, 2024. The 19-year-old victim was walking along the road when Ramaoka ambushed her, strangled her until she collapsed, and then raped her. Thanks to her quick thinking, she managed to flag down a passing vehicle, which took her to the Mashashane Police Station, where a case was promptly opened.
He added that a thorough investigation resulted in Ramaoka's swift arrest.
"Due to the compelling evidence gathered, bail was successfully opposed, and the accused remained in custody throughout the trial. The case was transferred from Seshego Magistrate's Court to the Regional Court, where justice was decisively served with a 15-year direct imprisonment sentence," said Ledwaba.
Meanwhile, Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the outcome, applauding the tireless efforts of the detectives whose work ensured the perpetrators were held fully accountable for their crimes.
"These sentences represent not just the end of criminal proceedings, but the beginning of healing for the survivors," said Hadebe.
The Star
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