The Rustenburg Regional Court has handed down a 32-year direct imprisonment sentence to Goitsemodimo Kekae, a 34-year-old former mine employee convicted of a series of armed robberies at hitch-hiking spots.
Kekae was found guilty of 15 counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, following a spate of incidents reported in Rustenburg, Mogwase, and Koster between October 2014 and January 2015.
According to the prosecution, Kekae targeted hitch-hikers by offering them a lift in his Toyota Corolla before robbing them at gunpoint.
Law enforcement launched an undercover operation after receiving multiple reports about the suspect.
The operation led to his arrest on March 11, 2015, when police intercepted his vehicle and recovered stolen cellphones from his victims. Despite pleading not guilty, the court found overwhelming evidence linking him to the crimes.
During sentencing, State Advocate Rodger Mareume argued that Kekae’s employment status indicated he acted out of greed rather than desperation.
He urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence, highlighting the trauma inflicted on victims.
Magistrate Samuel Maboho, in his judgment, condemned the increasing lawlessness in society and the frequent use of firearms in violent crimes.
He emphasised that robbery is a premeditated crime, leaving victims vulnerable with little chance to defend themselves.
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Updated: 28 February 2025 Friday
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