In a harsh court verdict, the Bloemhof Regional Court has sentenced Pule Kgosimore (40) to double life imprisonment for two counts of rape, along with additional penalties for housebreaking. The court also mandated the inclusion of Kgosimore's name in the Sexual Offenders Register, declared him unfit to possess a firearm, and barred him from working with children and the elderly.
Kgosimore, already on parole for a previous rape conviction, was apprehended on February 8, 2019, following a horrifying incident on February 4, 2019, in Boitumelong near Bloemhof. Breaking into a residence, he encountered two sisters aged 27 and 37, respectively. He threatened them with a sharp object before subjecting them to repeated acts of sexual assault.
Further investigations revealed a chilling connection to another rape case from January 15, 2017, where Kgosimore attacked a 58-year-old woman seeking her husband at a neighbour's house. Kgosimore accosted the woman from behind, dragged her to an open field where he committed the heinous crime. Despite the mounting evidence, Kgosimore pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In a bid for a severe sentence, State Prosecutor Advocate Jimmy Tamele urged the court to adhere to the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, emphasizing the accused's propensity for rape and the lasting trauma inflicted on the victims. Magistrate Lincoln Matjele concurred with the state's argument, highlighting the alarming prevalence of rape in the country.
Dr Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended the efforts of the prosecutor, Sergeant Pule Morake from the South African Police Service, and other stakeholders involved in ensuring justice for the victims and their families. Dr Makhari also warned the public sternly, urging heightened vigilance as the region faces a surge in criminal activities.
The sentence reflects the court's commitment to protecting society from repeat offenders and sending a clear message about the severity of such crimes. The decision to include Kgosimore in the sexual offenders register underscores the determination to monitor and restrict the movements of individuals with a history of sexual violence.
