Soweto man gets two life terms for robberies, rapes

Soweto resident Thapelo Malatji has been sentenced to two life terms in prison by the Protea Regional Court for a string of robberies and two rapes committed in Dobsonville since 2011.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority’s spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, Malatji’s crimes involved robbing victims at gunpoint, then raping them in secluded areas.

Mjonondwane says in addition to the two life terms for rape, Malatji was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for two counts of kidnapping.

“The NPA adopted an aggressive stance in its prosecution of sexual violence cases as they encroach on the rights to dignity and privacy of the victim. We hope the sentence provided some justice and closure to the victims and their families.”