A shocking case of sexual violence culminated this Thursday with the High Court in Johannesburg finding 35-year-old Lethlogonolo Mothlapeng guilty on all 10 charges brought against him.
Mothlapeng, responsible for holding two young friends hostage for four hours and forcing them to create and participate in sexual content, now faces severe legal consequences.
Mothlapeng approached the two young girls in February last year and, at gunpoint, compelled them into his vehicle. Driven to his residence in Magaliesburg, the victims were coerced into undressing, and Mothlapeng captured explicit photographs and videos using his cellphone.
The severity of the crime escalated when Mothlapeng forced the girls to perform sexual acts, which he also filmed, before raping them.
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Despite the weight of the charges, Mothlapeng pled not guilty. The charges included kidnapping, rape, intimidation with a firearm, and involvement in child pornography. During the trial, one of the survivors, who was a minor at the time, provided harrowing testimony detailing their traumatic experience.
Mothlapeng was further implicated by audio-visual evidence, which left little room for reasonable doubt regarding his culpability.
Phindi Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in Gauteng, emphasized that all cases of sexual violence encroach on the victims’ rights to dignity and privacy as protected by the constitution.
The NPA aggressively pursues such cases to ensure justice. Mothlapeng’s case has been adjourned until September 2nd for sentencing, which will finalize the legal repercussions of his actions.
