The Limpopo High Court sitting in Tohoyandou sentenced a 29-year-old serial rapist to eight life sentences and an additional 100 years behind bars for rape.
The court found Ndivhuwo Tshisikhawe, 29, guilty of eight counts of rape, including the rape of a 13-year-old girl, two counts of housebreaking with intent to rape, three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and three counts of kidnapping.
“The court heard that between March 2015 and July 2017, Tshisikhawe terrorised Lwamondo, Duthuni, Tshisaulu and Mvelaphanda villages,” said Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in Limpopo division.
She said Tshisikhawe would enter the victims homestead and threaten them with a knife and rob them of money amounting to R1400, cellphones and bank cards.
“After the arrest, Tshisikhawe escaped from lawful custody on July 19, 2017, and was attested after three weeks. The accused pleaded not guilty to the offences, and he further told the court that he had nothing to say.
“During aggravation of sentence, State advocate Nduvheni Mulangaphuma told the court that Tshisikhawe was a heartless person who was raping young women and minor children. He further argued that the offences are prevalent in these jurisdictions. He concluded by pleading with the court to impose a life sentence.”
Malabi-Dzhangi said during sentencing, Judge Nare Frans Kgomo said the accused showed that he was heartless and had no respect for women.
“He further said that the court was duty bound to protect women and children, sending a clear message that this type of offence cannot be tolerated and that the accused should be punished for these horrible deeds. The court will show no mercy.”
Source: Times Live, Jacaranda FM, IOL, Sunday World, image from Times Live: NPA Communications
