Police in the Free State have welcomed the successful prosecution and life imprisonment of a 38-year-old man convicted of the rape and assault of a minor.
Lefu James Mofokeng was sentenced to life imprisonment for his crimes. His name will also be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders, authorities confirmed.
The harrowing incident occurred on Tuesday, 8 April 2024, at approximately 11:00. An 11-year-old girl, who had absconded from an orphanage, was walking in the street in Willows when Mofokeng, driving a red Golf, offered her a lift. He promised to take her to her parents’ home in Estoire.
Instead, the accused drove the victim to his residence in Wilgehof. There, he gave the minor alcohol, pointed a firearm at her, and subjected her to a brutal assault. Mofokeng strangled her and struck her in the face with the firearm before raping her.
After the assault, the accused dropped the traumatised victim outside her parents’ house, giving her money. The crying child immediately reported the ordeal to her parents, who promptly contacted the police. A case was immediately registered at the Parkweg Police Station.
The investigation was swiftly transferred to the Parkweg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. Detective Warrant Officer Arlene Snyman led the investigation, successfully tracing and arresting the suspect. His licensed firearm was seized during the arrest.
The tireless efforts of the investigating officer, working in collaboration with Mrs. Valerie Herholdt from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), ensured that Lefu James Mofokeng was found guilty of these heinous crimes.