Life sentence for raping homeless woman in Sasolburg

SASOLBURG - The Sasolburg Regional Court sentenced a 32-year-old man to life imprisonment for rape. Thabo Maseko was found guilty of raping a 28-year-old homeless woman, who he and an unknown accomplice followed after she left a tavern. It is alleged that Maseko and his accomplice attacked the victim while she stopped near a fire to keep warm. The incident occurred a short distance from a police station, and the victim reported the crime immediately after the men left her. Maseko, known to the homeless woman from Zamdela, was soon identified, arrested, and charged. The defence pleaded for leniency, citing that this was not the worst rape case. NPA Free State spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane in turn stated that there is no better or worse rape, as rape is demeaning and an atrocious act. The court handed down the maximum sentence, citing no substantial or compelling circumstances for leniency.