Pastor who robbed and choked female congregant sentenced to 15 years
North West pastor jailed for 15 years following robbery.
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A North West pastor has been sentenced to an effective 15 years in jail for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Petrus Phuthego Gasengake was sentenced in the Molopo Regional Court on Tuesday.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Gasengake, a pastor at a local church, was convicted in connection with a violent incident that took place on April 4, 2021, at the home of a female congregant in Ramosadi Village near Mmabatho in the North West.
NPA regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya, said Gasengake entered the complainant's home, bypassed two individuals present, and proceeded to her bedroom.
"An argument broke out during which he choked the complainant and threatened her with a knife," said Gunya. He then stole R4,000 in cash, bank cards, and car keys before fleeing the scene in the victim's vehicle.
Following the robbery, Gasengake drove to his home in Lichtenburg, where he stabbed his wife without provocation.
He later fled again. Police launched a manhunt, and he was apprehended in Vryburg on April 6, 2021. The stolen vehicle had been circulated, and the complainant positively identified him.
Gasengake was separately convicted and sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment on November 11, 2022, for the attempted murder of his wife.
Despite pleading not guilty to the robbery charge, the court found him guilty based on compelling evidence presented by the prosecution.
During sentencing, State Advocate Ntebaleng Mabale cited the seriousness of the offence and the broader issue of gender-based violence in the region. He urged the court not to deviate from the statutory minimum sentence of 15 years.
Welcoming the verdict, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, praised the prosecutor's efforts and the bravery of the investigating officers.
IOL News