A man has been sentenced to double life imprisonment by the Seshego Regional Court in Limpopo for the rape of his family friend's teenage daughter. Jeffrey Thabo Ngoepe (40) raped his victim twice in June and July 2020 in Matlala Gloedsdam village.

HE WAS A TRUSTED FAMILY FRIEND

According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the victim did not report the first rape because the accused threatened to kill her if she told someone. Ledwaba said on Monday, 22 June 2020, Ngoepe who is the victim's family friend and was staying with them, returned home and found the victim alone. "He demanded food from the victim while swearing at her. He took the victim to his room, undressed her and forced her to lie on his bed, and raped her. He instructed the victim to keep it to herself or else he would kill her," Ledwaba said. He added that the second incident took place, on 10 July 2020, the victim was on her way home from school with friends when they met the accused. "The accused threatened them and chased the friends away. He remained with the victim. He undressed her and raped her. Later in the day, the victim's mother returned home and the accused told her that the victim refused to give him food and swore at him. The mother then questioned the victim about why she swore at the accused. That was when the victim informed her mother that the accused had raped her twice," added Ledwaba.

GUILTY AS CHARGED

The two incidents were reported to the police and Ngoepe was arrested and granted R500 bail in July 2020. He was found guilty of two counts of rape and was sentenced to two life terms of imprisonment this week. Meanwhile, Matsobane Polex Phaleng (26), was found guilty and sentenced by Matlala Periodical Court to an effective 10 years imprisonment for attempted rape of a 17-year-old girl at Matlala Gloedsdam village. Ledwaba said the victim was on her way home when she passed the accused, who ran after her and attempted to rape her. She fought back and was saved by a passer-by.