Kroonstad - Two men were sentenced to life in prison for gang rapes and robberies by the High Court sitting in the Kroonstad Magistrate's Court on Monday, Free State police said.
The third accused, a minor, was given a suspended sentence of eight years, said spokesman Captain Stephen Thakeng.
“Five women, aged between 16 and 20, were gang raped and robbed in separate incidents,” said Thakeng.
Judge Shamin Ebrahim handed down four life sentences to Rammokgo Hendrik Tsotsotso for the crimes, while Mkhize Peter Mosotho was handed three life sentences.
Thakeng said the third accomplice, now aged 17, was a minor at the time the crimes were committed, and was given an eight year suspended sentence.
The crimes were committed during December 2012 and 2013 in Rammulotsi, Viljoenskroon.
The three attacked couples and threw stones at the females' male companions and assaulted them.
The accused then took turns raping the women, and then robbed them of their belongings, said Thakeng.
Sapa