MAN SENTENCED TO 40 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO COUNTS OF RAPE
12 November 2025
MAN SENTENCED TO 40 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO COUNTS OF RAPE
Nebo, Limpopo – The Nebo Regional Court has convicted and sentenced Selby Phakoago (30) from Mohlaletsi to 40 years’ imprisonment for two counts of rape. The court further ordered that his name be included in the National Register for Sexual Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.
Phakoago had pleaded not guilty, but the State led compelling evidence through witnesses. The court heard that between 2018 and 2019, in Mohlaletsi Legajane, the first victim was returning home after studying late at school in preparation for her examinations. The accused followed her, chased her, and after she tripped and fell, he threatened her with a knife and raped her. In the second incident, the victim hitchhiked in the same vehicle as the accused from Ga-Nchabeleng to Mohlaletsi. Upon alighting at the same stop, Phakoago took her cellphone and forced her toward a nearby river stream. When the victim tried to resist, he pushed her to the ground and raped her. Both victims were 19 years old at the time of the offences. DNA evidence linked Phakoago to both crimes. He was arrested while serving a 15-year sentence for another rape conviction handed down by the Sekhukhune Regional Court.
In aggravation of sentence, State Advocate Mmushi Mathebe argued that rape is a grave and violent offence that humiliates, degrades, and invades the dignity and privacy of its victims. He emphasised that the victims would suffer lifelong psychological trauma and that the accused has shown no remorse and poses a continued threat to society. Adv. Mathebe urged the court to impose a lengthy sentence, noting that Phakoago “has demonstrated no respect for women and is beyond rehabilitation.”
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence. Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. Ivy Thenga commended the outcome, stating that “these cases provide some justice and closure to the victims and their families while removing violent offenders from our communities.” She further praised Adv. Mathebe and Sergeant Makopo from the Lebowakgomo Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for their dedication in securing the conviction. Ends.
Issued by:
Mashudu Malabi
Regional Spokesperson
Limpopo Division
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)