A RAPIST is set to rot in jail.
The Benoni Regional Court recently sentenced a man to life imprisonment for rape and a concurrent 15-year sentence for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The sentence brought justice to a case from February 2024.
The perpetrator, Pontsho Maraka (27), was found guilty of a horrific attack of a 28-year-old woman. Maraka had attacked and raped the woman in Benoni, Ekurhuleni in 2024 while she was walking to a shop to buy meat.
Maraka approached her and when she refused to speak to him, he brandished a firearm. He then forcibly pulled her to the back of a shop, where he robbed her of her cellphone and subsequently raped her.
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The victim's bravery and quick thinking were instrumental in the investigation. Although she did not know her attacker, she was able to provide a detailed description to other residents.
This description was crucial as a resident recognised the suspect and provided his name to the police, adding a critical lead to the case.
The case was assigned to Constable Rejoice Matjie of the Benoni family violence, child protection services, and sexual offenses unit. Through meticulous and thorough investigative work, Matjie was able to secure the arrest of the suspect, ultimately leading to his conviction and sentencing.
The outcome of the case was met with praise from Ekurhuleni district commissioner General Anna Sithole, who commended Matjie for her unwavering dedication to the case, ensuring the accused is held accountable for his "evil deeds".
The commissioner also extended gratitude to the resident whose assistance was invaluable in identifying the accused.
