North West man sentenced to life for horrific rape and robbery
Daniel Sekunelo Togole, 57, was one of a trio of masked men who carried out a robbery and rape on the evening of September 4, 2012, in Mmabatho near Mafikeng when they accosted the rape victim and friends while they were seated in a car.
Image: File
A North West man will serve a life term behind bars for the rape of a 21-year-old victim after being convicted and sentenced by the Molopo Regional Court this week.
Daniel Sekunelo Togole, 57, was one of a trio of masked men who carried out a robbery on the evening of September 4, 2012, in Mmabatho near Mafikeng when they accosted the rape victim and friends while they were seated in a car.
Togole was linked to the rape crime through his DNA, said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya.
Gunya confirmed Togole was sentenced to life for rape and additional 20 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances. The court ordered that both sentences run concurrently.
Togole has been added to the National Register for Sex Offenders.
Gunya said: “It is alleged that the victim was with her friends at Mmabatho CBD, seated in a car, when three unknown men emerged and attacked them. Evidence presented in court revealed that these three men had masks covering their heads and their hands covered with gloves. Upon their arrival, they searched the car and its occupants.
“The driver was fastened with a rope and was put at the back of the bakkie. The car was driven until it reached the bushes where they robbed the victim’s cell phones, property, and cash amounting to R40,00. Togole sexually assaulted a young woman aged 21 at the time. After the rape incident, they left the victims in the bushes, and they managed to drive to the nearest clinic seeking for help. A case of rape was opened.”
Police investigations led by Warrant Officer Tshepang Lentsokwe only linked Togole to the offence through DNA. He was arrested three years later and has been in custody since.
Gunya said that despite pleading not guilty, Togole was found guilty based on compelling evidence presented by the prosecution.
“In aggravation of sentence, Advocate Kefentse Diseko argued that the accused showed no remorse for his actions. He emphasised the gravity and prevalence of rape in his arguments for sentencing. He articulated that Togole's actions constituted a violation of the victim’s constitutional rights to bodily integrity and safety, resulting in brutal violence and lasting trauma. In his ruling, Magistrate Ndade Maphango acknowledged the aggravating circumstances of the case. He ruled that the accused showed no remorse and targeted a vulnerable person, being a woman.”
Gunya said the NPA welcomed the life sentence handed down to the convicted rapist as “a strong reaffirmation of the justice system’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of victims of sexual violence”.
Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the prosecutor, the investigating officer, and all criminal justice system members who played a pivotal role in securing this conviction.
“This judgment not only delivers justice to the victim but also sends a powerful message that gender-based violence will not be tolerated in South Africa. We hope it serves as a deterrent to would-be offenders,” said Makhari.
chevon.booysen@inl.co.za