Blind Elderly Woman’s Rapist Receives Life Sentence in North Carolina

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A man from the Northern Cape has received a life sentence after being convicted of raping an 84-year-old blind woman, following proceedings at the Mothibistad Regional Court.

Thato Lekgoe, 27, was found guilty on two counts — housebreaking with intent to rape and rape. In addition to the custodial sentence, the court ruled that Lekgoe is prohibited from owning a firearm and barred from any employment involving elderly persons. His details have been added to the National Register for Sex Offenders.

The crime took place on 2 March 2024 in Letlhakajaneng village, situated near Kuruman, when Lekgoe forcibly entered the home of the elderly blind resident and sexually assaulted her.

**Young witness proves critical to the case**

According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane, two young relatives of the victim, aged six and eight, were sleeping in a nearby bedroom at the time of the attack. Lekgoe entered the home armed with both a knife and an axe before overpowering and raping the woman.

In a display of extraordinary courage, the six-year-old child concealed the axe and subsequently identified Lekgoe by the light of a cellphone — a moment that would prove instrumental in the investigation.

Senokoatsane noted that the case faced early setbacks due to delays in obtaining DNA results, which eventually confirmed Lekgoe’s connection to the crime.

**Court dismisses accused’s claims**

Lekgoe maintained his innocence throughout the trial, asserting that he had been set up. The court, however, found his account unconvincing and dismissed it entirely.

Senokoatsane explained that the child’s identification of the accused was pivotal in securing the DNA evidence that ultimately underpinned the conviction.

State prosecutor Bernice Bronkhorst-Oor presented a victim impact statement during sentencing proceedings, which outlined the severe psychological harm sustained by the elderly woman, including ongoing fear and feelings of humiliation.

“The court found that the brutal and degrading nature of the crime, coupled with the accused’s lack of remorse, warranted the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment,” Senokoatsane said.

**Support systems recognised**

The NPA highlighted the contribution of court preparation officer Beauty Moreeng, who played a key role in preparing witnesses for testimony — particularly the young child — and who facilitated the compilation of the victim impact statement.

Recognition was also extended to the Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) in Kuruman, which provided the victim with immediate medical attention, psychosocial support and ongoing assistance throughout the legal process. The centre’s involvement also helped bolster the prosecution’s case.

“TCCs are central to South Africa’s response to sexual offences, offering a multidisciplinary, victim-centred approach that brings together prosecutors, police, healthcare professionals, and social services to reduce trauma, preserve evidence, and support victims from reporting to case finalisation,” Senokoatsane said.

The NPA reaffirmed its dedication to tackling gender-based violence and femicide, stating its ongoing commitment to holding perpetrators accountable while ensuring victims have access to justice and appropriate support.