Rape convict appeals for mercy
Mpho Mokwape | Tuesday April 29, 2014 11:41
Letsweletse Thebe is serving a 12-year sentence for rape.
When he appeared before CoA judges, Isaac Lesetedi, Elijah Legwaila and Monametsi Gaongalelwe, Thebe confessed that he had no problem with his sentence, but only wanted the court to be merciful and reduce it.
He said he acknowledged that he had made a mistake that warranted severe punishment, but was hoping that the court would show mercy and reduce his sentence as he had learnt his lesson.
The justices said while they would look into his case, they were surprised that Thebe had shown up in court only to fail to mitigate his case.
The three judges said even more surprising was that Thebe had decided to appeal his conviction and sentence, knowing that he had raped a woman who trusted he would protect her and done so in a place of worship.
“You disregarded the church and God by raping a woman, who was much older than you, in church after she had asked you to accompany her to church,” the judges said.
Thebe stood mum in the dock when the judges asked why he had raped a 38 year-old woman at only 25 years of age. Then he applied for appeal when he clearly understood that the crime carried a maximum sentence.
The state prosecutor, Lesedi Seloka said he found no reason why Thebe should get a reduced sentence after violating a woman and her rights.
He said Thebe should remain behind bars for the period prescribed, as he had committed a crime that should not be taken lightly by the court. He requested the court to dismiss the appeal. Judgment was reserved for May 9, 2014.