The life sentence handed down to the rapist of a 91-year-old Tshisahulu woman has been hailed as appropriate and a powerful deterrent to others.
On 1 July 2025, the High Court in Thohoyandou, sitting at the Waterval Magistrate's Court, sentenced Musa Walter Chabalala (34) of Tshisahulu, outside Thohoyandou, to multiple terms of direct imprisonment. These include life imprisonment for rape, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, and five years for housebreaking with intent to commit an offence.
The sentencing follows a heinous attack in which Chabalala broke into the elderly woman's home on 21 August 2020 in Tshisahulu.
The court heard how Chabalala had forcefully entered the victim's house by opening a window and breaking down the bedroom door. Armed with a knife, he had threatened the elderly woman, instructed her to hide under a blanket, and demanded money.
He stole approximately R40 and a sound system, then forced the victim to undress and raped her multiple times before fleeing the scene.
The traumatised woman immediately reported the incident. A thorough police investigation linked the accused to the crime through forensic evidence.
Despite pleading not guilty, the State, represented by Adv Steven Muavha, presented compelling evidence that proved Chabalala's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The sentence was well received by members of the community.
Mr Calvin Nengudza of the Real Man Foundation said the sentence served the organisation well. "This will serve as a deterrent to all who think they can get away with rape. The sentence has set a good precedent. We believe that all judges will follow this trend. This is also a morale booster for us to work even harder," he said.
Adv Ivy Thenga, Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, commended the prosecution and investigation teams for their diligence.