The Polokwane High Court has sentenced Motsepana Lolo Madigoe to three life terms plus 76 years in jail for rape, housebreaking, kidnapping and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, spokesperson for National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo, said the 36-year-old convicted rapist pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The crimes were committed between June 2015 and August 2020.
“Madigoe was terrorising the community of Seleteng, Makotse and Lebowakgomo by breaking into their houses and raping women,” said Malabi-Dzhangi.
“In one incident, the complainant was walking on a footpath with the accused when he threatened to kill her.
“He dragged her to the bushes and raped her. The accused was linked to the crimes through DNA tests.”
In aggravation of sentence, state advocate David Sebelebele submitted that the accused has been convicted of a serious offence that involves violence.
He said such cases are prevalent not only in Limpopo but across the country.
“He [Sebelebele] said the court should take into consideration that vulnerable people were targeted and that the victims suffered serious injuries, especially elderly women who were assaulted before being raped by the accused,” said Malabi-Dzhangi.
“The advocate concluded by saying the sentence should not only be fair to the accused, but the court should also look at the interests of society.”
Presiding judge Naude Odendaal remarked that Madigoe showed no remorse and was arrogant during court proceedings.
She also said all the victims’ lives have been ruined and will never be the same again.
“The judge said the accused is a sexual predator who should be removed permanently from the community, and concluded that the court did not find compelling circumstances to deviate from a minimum sentence.”
The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently.
The welcomed the court outcome, saying nothing can be an excuse for violence against women.
The director of public prosecutions in Limpopo, advocate Ivy Thenga, commended the good work by Sebelebele and the investigating officer, Sergeant Magaila Makopo of Lebowakgomo family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit.
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