Makhado: A 40-year-old man has been sentenced to a total of 30 years in prison by the Makhado Regional Court for charges stemming from a housebreaking and rape incident. The crime took place in the Gogobole Section under the Tshilwavhusiku policing area.

According to South African Police Service, the incident occurred on 17 October 2019, when the 46-year-old victim was awakened in her home by the sound of her bedroom door being opened. The accused, identified as the victim’s ex-boyfriend, entered the room armed with a knife. Recently released from prison for violating a protection order, he declared he was back for revenge. He instructed the victim to comply with his demands, threatening her life, and subsequently raped her.

Following the assault, the accused fled the scene on foot. The victim promptly informed her family, who reported the incident to local police. A manhunt was launched, leading to the apprehension of the suspect the next day on 18 October 2024.

The case was transferred to the Makhado Fa
mily Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses (FCS) Unit. Warrant Officer Charles Ralebona managed the investigation and ensured the accused was held without bail until his sentencing. On 31 October 2024, the court imposed concurrent sentences of 15 years for rape and 15 years for housebreaking.

Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo, expressed approval of the court’s verdict. She remarked that the accused, having been out on parole at the time of the crime, demonstrated a lack of respect for the law and deserved to be removed from society.