The Democratic Alliance has welcomed the life sentence imposed on the rapist and attacker of Free State farmer and DA councillor Alison Oates.
Themba ‘Steen’ Makhubo was sentenced to life imprisonment in the Harrismith Regional court on Wednesday for the rape of Oates in October 2015 and a further 15-years for armed robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The court took into account the emotional impact that the crime had on Oates, the fact that Makhubo showed no remorse for his actions and the rise in crimes against women and children.
DA Shadow Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Annette Steyn said in a statement that Alison Oates had to wait five long years to see justice served.
Steyn said the DA was grateful for the intervention of the Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Rodney de Kock and his staff, as well as the prosecutor for their efforts in finalizing the matter with a sentence that will send out a strong message.
