Police have welcomed the lengthy sentences handed down to two Western Cape suspects, from Belhar and Caledon, respectively, who were recently found guilty of sexual offences.
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In the Belhar matter, the complainant, a 15-year-old at the time of the incident, reported the matter three weeks after the incident in February 2020.
‘The accused, 54-year-old (at the time of the incident), Amien Fakier, turned himself in at Delft SAPS and was arrested, detained and processed for court by members of Belhar FCS,’ explained SAPS provincial spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk. ‘The docket was assigned to then Detective Sergeant Meyer (now Warrant Officer) and the investigation proceeded with lots of challenges to determine the crime scene, DNA in a vehicle and a struggle to get the vehicle from the owner who was in Mossel Bay at the time.’
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Van Wyk said the investigating officer went the extra mile, applying for cellular telephone records to link the suspect with the crime scene at the time of the incident.
‘Bail hearings were successfully opposed by the investigation officer. Even psychologist appointments were attended.’
‘The High Court appointments were scheduled where the investigating officer was with the victim and her mother to assure them that she was there to assist.’
‘Finally, after challenges during Covid-19 with court hearings and many postponement dates, the accused was found guilty on 31 May on three counts of rape and sexual assault.’
Fakier was sentenced to three life sentences and an additional 15 years for sexual assault.
Meanwhile, in an unrelated rape case reported in Villiersdorp and investigated by Caledon FCS, 32-year-old Lebohang Motloung was sentenced to 20 years direct imprisonment.
‘The victim was 10-years-old at time of incident when she was raped by a known person who stayed on a farm opposite the victim’s residence,’ Van Wyk continued. ‘The suspect, a Sotho-speaking person, was arrested the same day at his house. The accused was sentenced at Caledon Regional Court to 20 years direct imprisonment.
‘SAPS encourages women and children to report crimes against them so that our specialised units can deal harshly with their abusers.’
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