Polokwane: The Polokwane High Court has sentenced Ramoadi William Minyuku, aged 42, to five life sentences along with an additional 165 years for his involvement in multiple counts of rape, kidnapping, and housebreaking with intent to rape in the Zebediela area under Waterberg District.

According to South African Police Service, the court heard that in November 2014, Minyuku broke into a home and raped a 12-year-old girl. Between May and June 2016, he continued to threaten the same victim with a knife and raped her on separate occasions when she was sent to the shops. These incidents took place at an abandoned house. Minyuku’s criminal activities extended to another victim, a 17-year-old girl, whom he raped after assaulting her with beer bottles. He encountered this victim on the street, subsequently dragging her to nearby bushes where he raped her multiple times.

Initially, the cases were reported as involving an “unknown suspect.” In 2024, they were transferred to the Provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation Unit (SECI). Sergeant Mokgaetsi Predict Sema played a crucial role in identifying and arresting Minyuku using DNA evidence.

The court imposed 26 separate counts with sentences ranging from 5 to 15 years, in addition to five life sentences. Most of these sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of life imprisonment. Furthermore, Minyuku was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Minyuku remained in custody throughout the trial until his sentencing on 19 September 2025. The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed approval of the sentence and commended the investigative team for their diligent work in ensuring the perpetrator’s permanent removal from society.