The Kuruman Regional Court has sentenced 29-year-old Temosho Parkins from Kathu
to 12 years direct imprisonment for raping an acquaintance. According to a statement, the incident,
reported on June 6, 2020, was a shocking breach of trust, as the victim knew
Parkins. The National Procecuting Authority says, according to the victim's testimony, the assault occurred when she was
at home with Parkins and her two cousins. Speaking on behalf of the NPA, Mojalefa Senokoatsane says, taking advantage of a momentary
absence of one cousin, who had stepped out to use the bathroom, and the other,
who had left to meet his girlfriend, Parkins carried the victim from the sofa
to the bedroom and raped her. Senokoatsane says the assault ended when the cousin returned
from the bathroom and opened the bedroom door. He says during the trial, Parkins initially denied the allegations but
later claimed the victim had given consent. Senokoatsane says Parkins was also declared unfit to possess
a firearm and work with children, and his name will be listed in the National
Register for Sex Offenders. The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed
the conviction, expressing hope it would bring justice and closure to the
victim and her family.
Journalist: Murial Meintjies
Email: intern2@radioriverside.co.za