The Mothibistad magistrate’s court has sentenced Kamogelo Kopang, a 22-year-old man from Kuruman, South Africa, to 20 years in prison for raping an 18-year-old woman. The incident occurred on September 28, 2024, when Kopang accosted the woman on her way to a friend's house in Maruping Village. He threatened her with a knife, forced her to the ground, and raped her. Following the attack, Kopang allegedly insisted that the complainant agree that they had engaged in consensual sex before fleeing the scene.
The victim managed to reach her friend's house, where she immediately disclosed the rape. A few days later, she saw Kopang at the Mothibistad magistrate’s court, where he was appearing in connection with another rape matter. She alerted the police, leading to his arrest. Kopang remained in custody throughout the proceedings in that matter. During this period, DNA evidence linked him to the rape case. He subsequently pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment.
In the current case, prosecutor Bernice Bronkhorst-Oor relied on the victim-impact statement to demonstrate the profound and lasting emotional, psychological, and personal impact of the rape on the complainant. The state argued that Kopang had failed to place any substantial and compelling circumstances before the court that would justify a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence of 20 years’ direct imprisonment. The state also highlighted his previous rape conviction as a significant aggravating factor.
Acting regional court magistrate Stephen Hinana agreed with the state that no substantial and compelling circumstances existed to warrant a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence. The court further found that, given that the offences had been committed approximately two years apart, there was no basis for the sentences to run concurrently. This means that Kopang's effective term of imprisonment now stands at 40 years.
The National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson in the Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, welcomed the sentence. The NPA commends Bronkhorst-Oor for her diligent prosecution of the matter and for ensuring that the impact of the offence on the complainant was properly placed before the court. Court preparation officer Beauty Moreeng also played an important role in preparing witnesses for court and facilitating the compilation of the victim impact statement.
The Kuruman Thuthuzela Care Centre helped the complainant with medical treatment and the necessary psychosocial support after the assault. The centre provides comprehensive care and support to victims of sexual assault. The sentence brings Kopang's effective term of imprisonment to 40 years, following a previous conviction and sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment for another rape committed approximately two years apart.
The sentencing of Kamogelo Kopang to 20 years in prison sends a strong message that rape will not be tolerated in South Africa. The authorities have reiterated their commitment to fighting sexual violence and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice. The case highlights the importance of victim support services and the role of the Thuthuzela Care Centre in providing care to survivors of sexual assault.
Key points
- Kamogelo Kopang sentenced to 20 years for raping an 18-year-old woman in Kuruman.
- Kopang's effective term of imprisonment now stands at 40 years.
- The sentence was influenced by Kopang's previous rape conviction and the severity of the offence.
