The NPA is endorsing the sentence handed to a man who raped an elderly woman in the Northern Cape. Photo: Getty Images
NPA delighted with 17-year sentence handed to GRANNY RAPIST
The National Prosecuting Authority in the Northern Cape has no doubt the punishment fits the crime for a recently-convicted rape offender.
The NPA is endorsing the sentence handed to a man who raped an elderly woman in the Northern Cape. Photo: Getty Images
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is satisfied with the sentence given to a man who raped an elderly woman after burglarising her home in the Northern Cape.
On 20 September 2020, the convict, Fabian Phooko, 39, and two accomplices broke into a home in Prieska before the accused assaulted the victim with a hammer. He continued his reign of terror by raping the helpless woman and taking her valuables.
State drops charges against suspects
The trio then fled. Northern Cape police arrested them a few days after the incident. However, the state withdrew the charges against Phooko’s accomplices.
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“Alton Stuurman and Stephan Steenkamp had the cases against them withdrawn. [Following numerous appearnces], the court convicted Phooko and declared him unfit to carry a firearm.”
Northern Cape police spokesperson lieutenant-colonel Sergio Kock
After several court appearances, the Prieska Regional Court sentenced the lone accused to 17 years behind bars – 12 years for rape and five years for housebreaking and theft. The court ordered that the sentences run consecutively.
NPA hopes sentence serves as a deterrent
NPA Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokotsoane said the 17-year jail term is the recommended and appropriate sentence for the crimes.
“As the NPA, we welcome the sentencing of the accused. We hope this sentence will send a clear message and also work as a deterrent to perpetrators of GBV.”
NPA Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokotsoane
According to Wits Gender Justice programme head Sheena Swemmer, sentences for rape vary in SA. The court imposes 15 years for a first offence and 20 years for a second offence. The state hands down a sentence of 25 years for a third or subsequent offence.
“Rape is a criminal offence which carries a minimum mandatory discretionary sentence. A judge or magistrate must sentence someone convicted of rape to a prison term not less than the minimum sentence prescribed by law. Unless, of course, they find a compelling reason not to do so.”
Wits Gender Justice programme head Sheena Swemmer
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