JOHANNESBURG - A 26-year-old rapist who lured women through social media under the pretext of modelling, promotional, and photoshoot opportunities will spend life behind bars.
The High Court in Johannesburg sentenced Victor Mokoena four life terms for raping four women.
Mokoena was also sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, two years for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and one year for pointing an object resembling a firearm.
The man who hides behind social media
Mokoena's modus operandi remained consistent with his victims, using a different name but targeting them on social media.
The National Prosecuting Authority's Magaboke Mohlatlole said Mokoena operated in and around Johannesburg, targeting young women through Facebook and Instagram.
“He presented himself as a photographer or promoter and lured his victims with offers of modelling, promotional and photoshoot opportunities. Once the victims arrived at the agreed locations, Mokoena took them to secluded areas, where he raped and assaulted them,” Mohlatlole said.
Investigations end Mokeona's raping spree
Mokoena committed the crime between March 2021 and October 2024, under the raider
“He deleted conversations and contact details from the victims’ cellphones in an apparent attempt to conceal his identity and frustrate the investigation,” Mohlatlole said.
Mohlatlole said it was not until the investigation linked several cases through the similarities in Mokoena’s modus operandi and digital evidence obtained from the victims.
'Treated victim with disdain'
He said the court concurred with the State’s submissions and found that Mokoena had treated his victims with disdain and had used derogatory language towards them.
This saw the court hand down the hefty sentence.
Robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and pointing an object resembling firearm counts are to run concurrently with the life sentences.
The NPA welcomed the sentence, saying it reiterates its commitment to pursuing perpetrators of sexual offences and ensuring that victims of gender-based violence receive justice