SIXTY two-year old Chief Makoko Rapalo of Ha Rapalo, Masoeling will spend the next 15 years behind bars for raping a seven-year old girl.
According to police deputy spokesperson, Senior Inspector Lerato Motseki, the chief lured two minors with money to buy Simba potato chips.
“Evidence before the court showed Chief Makoko Rapalo, aged 62, of Ha Rapalo, Masoeling in Berea, called two girls and gave them money to buy a packet of Simba on 30 August this year,” she said.
“When the two girls returned, the man sent away one of the girls and then proceeded to rape the seven-year old girl.”
Senior Inspector Motseki said the girl who was sent away returned to collect her friend accompanied by other children.
“The children heard some suspicious sounds as the victim was screaming in anguish. Chief Rapalo released the victim who then shared her ordeal with her peers and grandmother,” she said.
“The chief approached the victim’s grandmother, who is also her guardian, with a M1 000 bribe for her silence but she refused to accept it. The grandmother immediately reported the matter to the Community Policing Committee which handed the chief over to the police on 31 August.”
Senior Inspector Motseki said the chief was sentenced to 15 years without the option of a fine on 6 September.
She advised parents and guardians to teach their children to be warry of anyone, regardless of their standing in society, and report any suspicious behaviour to their parents.