LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE OF 91-YEAR-OLD WOMAN

02 July 2025

LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE OF 91-YEAR-OLD WOMAN

Waterval, Limpopo – The High Court in Thohoyandou, sitting at the Waterval Magistrate’s Court, has sentenced Musa Walter Chabalala (34) of Tshisaulu village to multiple terms of direct imprisonment, including life imprisonment for rape, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, and 5 years for housebreaking with intent to commit an offence.

The sentencing follows the court’s finding that Chabalala was guilty of a heinous attack on a 91-year-old woman in her home on 21 August 2020 in Tshisaulu village. The court heard how Chabalala forcefully gained entry into the victim’s home by opening a window and breaking the door to her bedroom. Armed with a knife, he threatened the elderly woman, instructed her to hide under a blanket, and demanded money.

He managed to steal approximately R40 and a sound system, then forced the victim to undress and raped her multiple times before fleeing the scene. The traumatised victim immediately reported the incident. A thorough police investigation, led by Sergeant Madzivhandila, later linked the accused through forensic evidence.

Despite pleading not guilty, the State, represented by Advocate Steven Muavha, presented compelling evidence that proved Chabalala's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In aggravation of sentence, the prosecution argued that rape has reached pandemic levels in the Vhembe district, and harsher sentences are necessary to protect vulnerable citizens, especially the elderly. It was further highlighted that the accused is a repeat offender, undeterred by previous convictions.

In delivering his judgment, Judge Thogomelani Caution Tshidada described the accused as “one of the filthiest perpetrators who does not deserve to live in our communities.” The judge lamented that the victim was old enough to be the accused's grandmother and should have been treated with dignity and respect. He noted the accused’s lack of remorse and found no mitigating factors to justify leniency.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence and trusts it will serve as a strong deterrent to would-be offenders. Advocate Ivy Thenga, Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, commended the prosecution and investigation teams for their diligence and commitment to justice. “This sentence reinforces our resolve to protect the most vulnerable in our society and ensure that justice prevails,” said Advocate Thenga.

Issued by:

Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi
Regional Spokesperson – Limpopo Division
Email: mmalabi@npa.gov.za
Cell: 074 823 3603