The SAPS Management welcomed the sentence handed down to rape accused Pastor Joseph Themane on 09 June 2023 in the Kathu Regional Court.
During 2020, two girls were predicted by the accused pastor as demon possessed.
The accused took the two victims, aged 18 and 15 to the veld, raped them and said that it was part of the healing and cleansing process.
The victims alerted their grandmother. A case docket was opened and the accused was arrested and bail was successfully opposed.
On 09 June 2023, the Kathu Regional Court sentenced the 63-year-old accused to thirty three years (33) direct imprisonment and the sentences will run concurrently. He was sentenced to 18 years for count 1 and 15 years for count 2, hence the 33 years sentence.
The JTG District Commissioner, Maj Gen Johnny Besnaar applauded the investigating officer, D/Cst Refilwe Rapelang for her thorough and meticulous investigation of the case which led to the incarceration of the accused.
GBVF offenders will feel the full might of the law and be granted no impunity.
Source: South African Police Service