Adv Scheepers also read in the Victim Impact statements, where some of the victims wrote about how the offences affected them. One of the victims who was a virgin at the time of the incident, said Phakathi stole her innocence as she cannot participate in the virginity testing ceremony.
The Acting Judge, Lesego Makolomakwe agreed with the state that Phakathi showed no remorse and was beyond rehabilitation. Furthermore, the judge said the courts had a responsibility to protect communities against perpetrators such as Phakathi. Therefore, she found that there were no compelling and substantial circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.
“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentence, hoping that the sentence will send a strong message that the NPA takes matters of sexual offences seriously,” NPA stated.
“We also thank the dedication and commitment by the Investigating Officer, warrant officer Mokoena which led to the conviction and sentence”.
