Metro

Gone for Good: South African serial rapist sentenced to two life terms, plus 293 years

Published

2 years ago

June 3, 2022

A 28-year-old South African serial rapist identified as Lucky Lehloo, has been sentenced to two life jail terms, plus an additional 293 years in prison slammed on him for his troubles.

The Klerksdorp Regional Court handed down the sentence on Lehloo on Thursday after he was found guilty on 13 counts of rape, as well as eight charges of armed robbery with aggravating circumstances, with one of the assault with the “intention to commit grievous bodily harm,” and one of assault.

Among Lehloo’s 13 victims, according to the prosecutor, were a 73-year-old pensioner and a 15-year-old minor.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority’s North West spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, Lehloo’s conviction was linked to a series of offences he committed between November 2014 and July 2018 in Tshing, Ventersdorp.

Lehloo, from the North West province, was only 15 years old when he went on a crime spree, raping eight women in their homes, while five were raped in bushes.

“Lehloo broke in and robbed them of their cellphones and money and raped them before fleeing the scene,” Mamothame said.

“In one house that he broke into, he found three women, robbed them of their cellphones and raped them. One of the victims was a 73-year-old elderly woman who passed on in January 2020.”

In other instances, Lehloo attacked five victims on the street, Mamothame said.

“He attacked five of the victims on the street, threatened them with a knife and dragged them to the bushes where he raped them and robbed them of their belongings,” he added.

“In another incident, Lehloo raped a 15-year-old girl. He went to a home where he found the teenager and deceived her into believing her grandmother had sent him to work in the garden.

“She then provided him with the garden tools but he later walked into the house and raped her.”

Mamothame added in two of the incidents, Lehloo severely assaulted and stabbed the victims with a knife and raped them before fleeing the scene.

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Metro

World Bank pledges $3b to support Zambia’s development goals

Published

13 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The World Bank Group has pledged to avail Zambia with approximately $3 billion to support the country’s development goals under the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2025-2029, with nearly half of the funds already disbursed.

World Bank Country Manager, Achim Fock, who made this known at the CPF launch at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka on Wednesday, outlined the global lender’s focus areas, which included enhancing jobs, human capital, and climate resilience.

Fock highlighted that $200 million had been approved to strengthen Zambia’s social protection programs, including the Refugee and Host Community Project.

He also expressed optimism for upcoming approvals, including the Climate and Economic Resilience Financing and the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector.

Zambia’s Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, who also spoke at the event, noted that 2.3 million Zambian households have so far benefited from social protection interventions such as the Cash for Work Programme, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives amid crises like the recent drought.

Musokotwane further reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives during times of crises such as the recent drought.

“More than two thirds of the Zambian population was affected by the drought. It was the government’s view that the first priority was to save lives,” Musokotwane stated.

Metro

Chinese mining giant CNMC set for $1.6 billion investment in Zambia

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A Chinese mining giant, China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC), has announced the investment of over $1.6 billion in Zambia, following successful discussions with President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House on Tuesday.

CNMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wen Gang, who held the discussions with Hichilema along with the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, confirmed the company’s commitment to furthering Zambia’s economic development.

“We are actively investing in critical sectors of Zambia’s economy,” Gang said after the meeting.

He noted that CNMC was currently pumping water from Shaft 28 at Luanshya Copper Mine, where 29.9 million cubic liters have been cleared as part of intensified dewatering efforts, adding that the company plans to inject an additional $200 million to develop a greenfield mine on the Copperbelt.

President Hichilema who welcomed CNMC’s commitment, highlighted the potential economic impact of the firm’s investment which will include job opportunities for Zambians.

“This $1.6billion investment, alongside advanced technology and expansion, will extend operations and create more jobs and opportunities for Zambians, especially in mining contracting and supply,” the President said.

He also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their shared commitment to fostering growth and cooperation between the two countries.