Tshimologo Lotshabeng’s killer handed 3 life sentences

Bafana Johannes Mans, 26, who kidnapped, raped and murdered four-year-old Tshimologo Lotshabeng, was handed 3 life sentences by the North West Division of the High Court sitting in Vryburg on Wednesday, October 19, 2022.   It is said that Mans was arrested at his home in Jan Kempdorp in the Northern Cape after the naked and lifeless body of Tshimologo was discovered in the bushes at Kgomotso village, near Taung, on Sunday, May 16, 2021. According to the evidence heard in court, Mans was a colleague and a friend of Tshimologo’s mother and was one of the people who accompanied her from a tavern to a friend’s house.   “He waited until the mother fell asleep, then kidnapped the child and took her to the nearby bushes, where he raped and killed her.” Colonel Adele Myburgh said.

Tshimologo Lotshabeng’s killer Sentenced

Mans was denied bail in his first court appearance on Monday, May 24, 2021, and has been held in custody since his arrest. On October 19, 2022, Mans was handed four sentences, which included three life sentences.   Count 1: Murder: Life in Prison Count 2: Life Sentence for Rape Count 3: Life sentence for rape Count 4: Kidnapping: Five years’ imprisonment Read also: Bokgabo Poo discovered dead, one arrested “Adv Xolisile Philisane urged the court not to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence because the offence was committed on a helpless minor.”He further argued that the accused showed no remorse for his actions, as he failed to take a stand and apologise to the family of the deceased.   “North West Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Makhari-Sekhaolaleo, lauded the collaboration between the SAPS and the NPA in bringing the perpetrator to book. This, she said, will illustrate the advocacy by the criminal justice system in dealing with those who act against the protection of women, children, and the elderly, “said Myburg. The National Prosecuting Authority and management of SAPS have since welcomed the sentence.   The North West Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the Investigating Officer, Colonel Kgosi Dihemo, and the Prosecutor, Advocate Xolisile Philisane, as well as other role players, for their tireless and joint efforts that led to the conviction, which he said will certainly serve as a deterrence to those who violate and take innocent lives of women and children.