The Limpopo High Court in Thohoyandou sentenced convicted serial rapist Ndivhuwo Tshisikhawe (29) to eight life sentences and 100 years' imprisonment on Wednesday, 24 August. He was found guilty on two counts of housebreaking with intent to rape, three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, three counts of kidnapping and eight counts of rape, including the rape of a minor girl, aged 13.
The court heard that, between March 2015 and July 2017, the accused terrorised the Lwamondo, Duthuni, Tshisaulu and Mvelaphanda villages in the Thohoyandou area.
Tshisikhawe would enter the homesteads of his victims, threaten them with a knife and rob them of their cash, bank cards and cellphones. After his arrest, Tshisikhawe escaped from custody. Three weeks later, on 19 July 2017, he was re-arrested.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the offences and told the court that he had nothing to say. During the sentencing, State Advocate Nduvheni Mulangaphuma told the court that Tshisikhawe was a heartless person who raped women and young girls. He further argued that these kind of offences were prevalent in the jurisdiction where he committed his crimes. Mulangaphuma concluded by pleading with the court to impose the life sentence.
Judge Nare Frans Kgomo said the accused showed that he was heartless, with no respect for women. He further said that the court was duty bound to protect women and children, sending a clear message out that this type of behaviour in society would not be tolerated and that the accused should be punished for these horrible deeds. "The court will show no mercy," Judge Kgomo said.
The NPA applauded Advocate Mulangaphuma and the investigating officer, Patrick Manthakha from the Family Violence and Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Thohoyandou, for good work done.