The Pretoria High Court has sentenced Doctor Nkurube Maruma, a 34-year-old serial rapist from Mamelodi, to life imprisonment plus 491 years for a chilling spree of sexual and violent crimes.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) hailed the sentence as a resounding victory in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), underscoring its commitment to protecting vulnerable communities and holding perpetrators accountable.
Reign of terror
Maruma’s reign of terror, spanning October 2017 to August 2022, saw him convicted on 44 counts. These include 19 rapes, 15 housebreakings with intent to rob and three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances. Also on additional charges of attempted rape, sexual assault, and theft.
His sentences will run concurrently with the life term, and he has been declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Operating with a calculated modus operandi, Maruma targeted homes in the early morning or at night. He broke in to rob and rape his victims while threatening them with a knife or gun.
His crimes began in Limpopo between 2017 and 2018. He preyed on residents there, before relocating to Gauteng in 2019. He continued to unleash his predatory acts in Pretoria until his arrest in August 2022.
Brutal rapes, robberies
Among his victims was a 38-year-old woman, raped in Limpopo in 2017 while using an outdoor toilet. Also a 15-year-old girl, assaulted in front of her mother after Maruma broke into their home.
His final crime was a rape and robbery involving the theft of three cellphones and two laptops. This led to his capture when the victim alerted a neighbour, who flagged down a passing police vehicle.
In court, an unrepentant and remorseless Maruma pleaded not guilty. He denied all allegations despite overwhelming evidence against him.
Prosecutor Advocate Vusimuzi Tshabalala presented compelling evidence against the accused. He presented DNA evidence and victim testimonies that exposed Maruma’s brutality.
Defence pleas rejected
During sentencing, Maruma’s lawyer argued for leniency. He cited his youth at the time of the offences and a troubled upbringing.
Tshabalala countered that Maruma was 26 when he began offending. He said he was fully aware of his actions and showed no remorse. Shockingly, Maruma mocked victims during their testimonies, laughing and claiming he was “bewitched”.
Judge Mashudu Munzhelele rejected the defence’s plea, emphasising Maruma’s lack of remorse and the calculated nature of his crimes.
“Maruma was not a productive member of society,” the judge declared, noting that he terrorised communities instead of seeking honest work.
Victory for GBV fight
The court found no reason to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences. It stressed that the ruling must deter similar crimes and affirm zero tolerance for GBV.
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Marika Jansen van Vuuren, praised Tshabalala’s dedication. She called the sentence a “powerful message” against GBV.
“Serial offenders like Maruma have no place in our communities,” she said. “The NPA remains steadfast in pursuing justice for victims and protecting society’s most vulnerable.”
