Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Sunday-Express
Published on 2024-03-24 17:11:46
Former Minister of Police ‘Mampho Mokhele’s son, Khaile Mokhele, has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for the heinous crimes of rape and murder. The High Court judge, Justice Tšeliso Mokoko, found Mokhele guilty of raping a 16-week pregnant woman before strangling her to death. As a result, he was sentenced to 23 years for murder and 10 years for rape, with the two sentences to be served concurrently, totaling an effective 23 years in jail.
The tragic events took place on the night of December 23, 2012, in Teyateyaneng, Ha Mokhothu, where Mokhele raped and murdered Mamohau Matata. The trial, which began in July the following year, included testimony from six witnesses, including the deceased’s husband, Detective Inspector Tobi, Police Constable Hoala, the accused’s neighbors Tšepo Kanono and Moeketsi Mosebo, as well as forensic scientist Mofo Setloboko. The defense lawyer, Raboloetsi Makara, called only Mokhele as a witness.
Mamohau Matata’s husband, Mr. Matata, shared in court that his wife was 16 weeks pregnant when she was brutally murdered. He recounted how she had left home to go to the salon to plait her hair, but when she did not return home and could not be reached on her phone, he went in search of her. It was only in the evening that he found her lifeless body, surrounded by villagers, on the side of the road.
Witnesses Kanono and Mosebo described their efforts to help the deceased and identified Khaile as the perpetrator. At the crime scene, a green t-shirt, a cap, and the victim’s clothing were found. Mosebo recognized the t-shirt and cap as belonging to Khaile, as he had seen him wearing them earlier in the day. When the police arrived at Khaile’s residence, they found him half-naked on the bed, with incriminating evidence leading to his arrest and subsequent confession at the magistrate’s court.
In delivering the judgement, Justice Mokoko emphasized the severity of the crimes committed by Khaile and the need to send a clear message that abuse of women and children will not be tolerated. The judge expressed sympathy for the deceased’s husband, who not only lost his wife but also the child they were expecting. Justice Mokoko sentenced Khaile to 23 years for murder and 10 years for rape, both to be served concurrently, as a means of providing some solace to the grieving husband and ensuring justice is served.
The case of Khaile Mokhele serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of such horrific acts and the importance of upholding the rule of law to protect the vulnerable in society. The sentencing reflects the gravity of the crimes committed and the need for accountability in the face of such senseless violence.
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