RAPIST SENTENCED TO LIFE AND 20 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE AND ROBBERY

 27 August 2025

RAPIST SENTENCED TO LIFE AND 20 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE AND ROBBERY

Mbombela, Mpumalanga – The High Court of South Africa in Mbombela has today sentenced Oupa Joseph Mailula (39) to life imprisonment plus 20 years after convicting him on two counts of rape and one count of robbery with aggravating circumstances. The first incident occurred on 10 March 2021 at Mawa Block 9 in Tzaneen, where the victim was ambushed in an outside toilet by Mailula, who wore a balaclava. He dragged her out, raped her, and fled. The victim managed to remove the balaclava, identifying him as someone she knew. The second incident took place in January 2011 at T-Junction, Hills View, in Kabokweni, where Mailula accosted another victim walking on the street, dragged her into the bushes, threatened her with a knife, raped her, and stole her clothes, cash, and cellphone. Police investigations, aided by DNA evidence, linked him to both crimes, leading to his arrest.

In court, Mailula pleaded not guilty. However, State Advocate Natalie Msibi presented compelling evidence, including the initial report, DNA analysis, and a J88 medical report confirming injuries to the first victim’s private area. Both victims testified about their ordeals, and the court found their accounts credible, convicting Mailula as charged. In aggravation, Msibi highlighted his lack of remorse, urging the court to uphold the prescribed minimum sentence. A Victim Impact Statement, facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Nomfundo Mokoena, detailed the ongoing emotional and psychological trauma suffered by one victim.

Judge Roelofse, in delivering the sentence, noted Mailula’s lack of remorse and found no compelling reasons to deviate from the minimum sentence. He imposed 10 years for the 2011 rape, 10 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, and life imprisonment for the 2021 rape, with the first two sentences to run concurrently with the life term. Mailula was declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his application for leave to appeal was dismissed following the state’s objection.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) commends the bravery of the victims, whose actions aided the arrest. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to prosecuting gender-based violence (GBV) crimes, especially those targeting women, which violate constitutional rights to dignity, security, and privacy. The NPA remains dedicated to creating a safer South Africa free from violence and abuse. Ends. 

Issued by: 

Monica Nyuswa

NPA Regional Spokesperson

DPP Mpumalanga

Tel: 013 045 0625 / 076 485 5446

Email: mnyuswa@npa.gov.za