Zimbabwean Man Receives Three Life Sentences Plus 226 Years for 26 Counts of Crimes
A 34-year-old Zimbabwean man has been handed down three life sentences and an additional 226 years imprisonment by the Pretoria High Court. The sentencing comes after the man was found guilty on 26 counts of heinous crimes, including rape, murder, illegal migration, kidnapping, housebreaking, escaping from jail, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and robbery.
Confirming the sentences, Ms. Lumka Mahanjana, spokesperson for the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) Gauteng Division: Pretoria, stated that the man’s arrest followed his escape from jail in 2020, where he was serving a 15-year jail term for housebreaking and robbery. The extensive list of charges reflects the severity and magnitude of his criminal activities, which have caused significant harm and trauma to multiple victims.
“Leonard Lemmy Chauke (34), from Olievenhoutbosch, an illegal Zimbabwean Immigration has been sentenced by the Pretoria High Court to three life terms for two counts of rape and murder,” she said.
“He was also sentenced to 80 years’ direct imprisonment, for four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, 90 years’ direct imprisonment for six counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, 15 years’ direct imprisonment, for five counts of housebreaking, 15 years’ direct imprisonment for three counts of kidnapping.
“In addition, he will serve 10 years’ direct imprisonment for rape, 12 years’ direct imprisonment for four counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, two years’ direct imprisonment for escaping from custody, and two years’ direct imprisonment for being illegal in the country”.
Ms. Mahanjana stated that Chauke had been sentenced to 15 years at Kgosi Maphuru Correctional Services for housebreaking and robbery with aggravating circumstances. However, he absconded from custody in December 2020, just two months into his sentence. Following his escape, Chauke and his associates embarked on a spree of criminal activities in and around Olievenhoutbosch and Wierda Park, employing a consistent method of operation.
According to Ms. Mahanjana, the group would forcibly enter residences, stealing valuables, and subsequently subjecting female victims to sexual assault in nearby fields. Notably, the youngest victim was a 17-year-old girl. Ms. Mahanjana further detailed that on June 7, 2022, Chauke and an accomplice fatally shot a 35-year-old man at a squatter camp in Olievenhoutbosch.
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“The youngest of his victims was a 17-year-old girl. On 7 June 2022, Chauke and his accomplice arrived shot, and killed a 35-year-old man at a squatter camp in Olievenhoutbosch”, said Miss Mahanjana.
“Chauke was then arrested two days later after a witness to the murder pointed him out to the police and has been in custody since.
In court, Chauke pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against him and told the court that he committed the offences while under the influence of drugs”.
The spokesperson further mentioned that Chauke, through his legal counsel, petitioned the court to depart from enforcing the mandated minimum sentences, citing his time served in custody since apprehension.
However, State Prosecutor Advocate Mokautu Masilo contended that Chauke displayed no contrition for his actions, opting instead to attribute his behavior to drug use.
“Furthermore, the crimes committed were heinous and were done in a meticulous way where Chauke and his accomplice would scout and attack vulnerable people and threaten them with a weapon,” she added.
“Moreover, Masilo handed in seven victim impact statements facilitated by the Court Preparation Officer, Lebogang Lebese, where the victims expressed how the incidents have emotionally affected them. Therefore, asked the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence”.
Judge Portia Phahlane concurred with the State’s assertion that Chauke demonstrated no remorse and emphasized the gravity of the offenses he was convicted of, which are prevalent in the country. The Judge underscored the court’s duty to safeguard law-abiding citizens from individuals like Chauke who perpetrate such serious crimes.
Judge Phahlane emphasized that every individual has an inherent right to life, which must be protected, and highlighted the terror inflicted upon communities by individuals like Chauke. She stressed the necessity of sending a clear message that such behavior is intolerable, thus justifying the severity of his sentence.
Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Sibongile Mzinyathi, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, commending the exemplary efforts of the investigating officer, Sgt Edward Matsobane, and the prosecutor.
