Serial Rapist Handed Four Life Sentences Plus 130 Years In Prison

A 31-year-old man Tiyani Khosa, from Olifantshoek near Magoro village in Limpopo, was sentenced to four life terms after he was convicted on five counts of housebreaking with intent to commit rape, six counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and six counts of rape by the Thohoyandou High Court.

The incidents occurred between 12 December 2010 and 02 September 2016. The accused, armed with a knife, panga and firearm, would break in and enter the homes of the victims, he usually targets young girls staying alone and single parents with small children at Mamaila, Olifantshoek, Njakanjaka, Sepukubje and Masakona villages.

During the trial, the accused pleaded not guilty to all seventeen counts.  State witnesses testified and told the court the accused had covered his face with balaclava when he committed these crimes. The victims could not identify their assailants. He was, however, linked to the crimes through DNA. During the trial, the state-led by Adv. Nnyambeni Robert Nekhambele managed to prove the case against the accused beyond a reasonable doubt, and the accused Tiyani Khosa was convicted as charged. 

During the sentencing stage, Adv. Nekhambele argued that the accused was not remorseful and that one of the victims was under the age of 16 years. He also submitted that some of the victims were raped more than once. He further submitted that the accused had previous convictions of rape and should be removed from society.

Judge Frans Kgomo, stated that the attack on the victims was well calculated and pre-planned. He further indicated that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to impose a lesser judgement than the prescribed sentence.

Consequently, the accused was sentenced to serve four (4) life sentences plus one hundred and thirty years imprisonment. The sentences in the count of housebreaking with intent to rape were ordered to run concurrently with sentences of rape.

Enquiries: Mashudu Malabi Dzhangi

NPA Spokesperson

Limpopo Division

0748233603/0150450286