After years of delay tactics, bullying and bribing of police officers, a Soweto serial rapist, Katlego Mabote, on Tuesday was sentenced to five life terms and 42 years for the spate of rapes he committed over eight years from 2007 to 2014.
Mabote was sentenced in the High Court Gauteng Local Division in Johannesburg in what was one of the biggest serial rape cases this year.
The NPA confirmed the sentencing of Mabote, who was also known by his nickname "Success" because of his successful scholar transport taxi business. He was said to be a popular transporter of schoolchildren and Pick n Pay employees in and around Soweto.
He also drove one of his taxis himself, which he used to kidnap and rape women in Rockville, Mofolo, and surrounding areas.
NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said six of his victims were lured into boarding his taxi and thereafter threatened with assault, assaulted viciously before being taken to his place, where they would be raped.
"Some were unconscious because of the assault. Some victims were raped repeatedly in the presence of other witnesses and co-perpetrators who are still at large. He was arrested for another rape incident in 2014 when six more dockets were reactivated. These were rape cases reported at Moroka South African Police Service (SAPS) and had been closed after complainants were said to have filed withdrawal statements," Mjonondwane said.
Investigations reveal that victims in the dockets informed the investigation officer, Captain Rudzane Malange, that they were threatened not to proceed with their cases, with one of the victims revealing that a female officer from Moroka Police Station had visited her home to tell her not to continue with the rape case.
"In some cases, the signatures were forged, while in others, statements were altered, and DNA statements were tampered with," the NPA said.
During the proceedings leading up to the sentencing, senior state advocate Shubnum Singh argued that the accused was remorseless and continued to victimise complainants by applying delaying tactics, which began in 2015 through various interlocutory applications
"Amongst them were the recusals of the prosecutors and judges, the refusal to attend court, the refusal to travel with other prisoners, and various other demands. She further submitted victim impact statements, wherein the complainants detailed how they were threatened and bullied by the accused to withdraw the charges," Mjonondwane said.
According to the NPA, two of Mabote's victims were blinded as a result of the assault, and others attempted suicide or suffered from depression as a result of the traumatic rape incidents.
A report from a criminologist suggests that the accused tried to hold the country’s laws and justice system to ransom.
"The accused wanted to show how powerful he was by flaunting his money. He wanted the victims to feel that he was in charge and untouchable. The police played into the hands of the accused by filing withdrawal statements purporting to be from the complainants, allowing the accused to continue with his reign of terror.
"He had friends among police officers, correctional services, and certain other government departments. In arguing for multiple life sentences, she argued that the scourge of rape and GBV continues to engulf this country," the NPA said.
As a result of interference from some of the police, Judge Mogotsi ordered that the role played by some police officers should also be investigated.
"The Investigating Office was also instructed to investigate the 2007 Moroka docket, where Mabote was charged with raping a 14-year-old minor and sentenced to a fine of R6000 or three years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on the condition that he is not found guilty of sexual violation," Mjonondwane added.
The Star