Free State rapist jailed after DNA links him to attack on a mentally challenged woman

The relentless pursuit of justice has led to the sentencing of rapist Clifford Mphou, 29, to 22 years behind bars for the rape of a mentally challenged woman in Matoropong, near Reddersburg in the Free State.

The conviction passed down in the Reddersburg Regional Court was secured after a breakthrough forensic investigation linked him to the crime through DNA evidence.

The case dates back to September 27, 2015, when a 30-year-old mentally challenged woman was raped twice in her shack during the night.

"The perpetrator forced entry into the victim's shack and raped her. The victim could not recognise the perpetrator as it was dark," said police spokesperson Sergeant Martin Xuma.

The Trompsburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit refused to let the case go cold.

Detective Sergeant Isaac Ntsepe, who spearheaded the investigation, meticulously collected crucial forensic evidence and submitted it for analysis at the Forensic Science Laboratory.

Years later, a DNA match emerged after Mphou was implicated in another crime, which is still pending.

“The accused committed another crime, which is still pending, where his DNA was taken and it positively linked to the DNA found at the crime scene of two counts of rape,” said Xuma.

With the irrefutable evidence in hand, authorities finally delivered justice.

On February 7, Mphou was convicted and sentenced to 22 years of direct imprisonment.

IOL NEWS