Media Statement from Limpopo Media Centre
Corporate Communication
South African Police Service

30 March 2014

POLOKWANE - The Naphuno Regional Court outside Tzaneen has on Friday sentenced Masilo Phillip Maenetja to a life imprisonment after he was found guilty of raping a five-year-old girl in Lephephane, Maake, almost three years ago.

The 28-year-old from the same area, who was also handed a five-year jail term for kidnapping, grabbed the girl from at gate of her home, threatened her before forcefully dragging her to his house where he raped her for the whole night. After her release the child spoke of her ordeal and a case was opened and with swift investigations the rapist was arrested.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Benny Ntlemeza praised Detective Constable Charlotte Thuketana whose thorough investigative skills ensured that Maenetja was removed from society for good.

"We appreciate the work done by the court and our dedicated investigating officer. A life sentence and five years is the kind of sentences we strive for as police on cases of this nature and we want to acknowledge the sterling job done by our detective. She deserves commendation for putting out all stops to achieve this hefty sentence", said Ntlemeza.

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