PORT ELIZABETH - 42 YEAR OLD MAN GET LIFE SENTENCE FOR KABEGA PARK RAPE

The recent conviction and harsh sentence imposed on a 42-year-old man is welcomed by the SAPS as well as those in the criminal justice system who are committed to eradicating violence against women and children.

On Wednesday, 31 August 2016, Renne Peterson was sentenced in the Port Elizabeth magistrates’ court to life imprisonment on a charge of Rape.

On 25 May 2015 at about 08:00, the complainant (35 years) was walking on a footpath to her work in Bridgemead when she noticed the accused as she passed him. The accused approached her and grabbed and dragged her into the bushes where he raped her several times.

 The complainant reported the rape at Kabega Park SAPS. The accused was positively identified during a photo identity parade. He was arrested in October 2015 and remained in custody until the finalization of the case.

On 27 June 2016, the accused was found guilty on a charge of rape and was sentenced on 31 August 2016 to life imprisonment.

The commander of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual offence unit, Lieutenant Colonel Sanet Winter congratulated the investigating officer on the thorough and meticulous investigation of this case.

She added that "It is a clear indication that the SAPS works hard to tackle crimes against women and children, as this remains one of our priorities. Thorough collection of crucial evidence is important for us to achieve convictions and heavy sentences for offenders.

VIA - SA Police Service