Life and Additional Three Years for Accused Charged with Rape and Robbery
11 APRIL 2025
Life and Additional Three Years for Accused Charged with Rape and Robbery
Tzaneen, Limpopo - The Tzaneen Regional Court has sentenced Mookamedi Nicolas (33) of Mavele village to life imprisonment for rape and additional three years for robbery. The accused pleaded not guilty to the offences, and the state led evidence from witnesses who testified that on 19 April 2021, around Tarentaal Lefrey Farm, the victim was on her way to work when the accused approached her. He instructed the victim to hand her cellphone to him while threatening to kill her with a knife. He further took the victim to the bushes and raped her twice. The victim managed to flee to the nearby road, where she was assisted and taken to the police station. The accused was later traced, identified, and arrested by the police with the assistance of the community members.
In aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor, Emmanuel Phatudi, presented a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) detailing how the incident negatively impacted the victim and also expressed the humiliation and trauma she suffered because of the ordeal. She further indicated that she no longer trusts male figures around her and sometimes experiences nightmares and flashbacks. The state
then, submitted that the fact that the accused person is not remorseful is a clear indication that failure to remove him permanently from the community is nothing less than another opportunity for him to continue to terrorise women. The prosecutor further argued that the accused has demonstrated that he does not respect women, and he is not a suitable candidate for rehabilitation. Therefore, he should be removed from society permanently, and there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence.
The Regional Court Magistrate, Antolize Lamminga, agreed with the state. She remarked that the accused has failed to convince the court of his confidence that indeed he is remorseful. The court further remarked that women should not live in fear when they go to work or go about their daily routines because of people like the accused person.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentencing handed down in the recent Gender-Based Violence (GBV) case, which reinforces the justice system’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Limpopo, Adv. Ivy Thenga commended the outcome and reaffirmed the NPA’s unwavering stance against the scourge of violence directed at women and children. “We remain resolute in our mission to pursue justice without fear or favour, especially in matters where women and children are subjected to violence and abuse,” said Adv. Thenga.
She further lauded the diligent and collaborative work of the prosecuting team, led by Mr. Emmanuel Phatudi, and the thorough investigation conducted by Sergeant Phumudzo Mabongo of the Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. “This sentence is a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and hard work demonstrated by both the prosecution and the police. Their tireless efforts ensured that justice prevailed,” she added.
The NPA reiterates its commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence are held accountable and that victims receive the justice they deserve. This case serves as a beacon of hope to survivors and a reminder that the criminal justice system stands with them.
For Media Inquiries, Contact:
Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Limpopo Division
Email: mmalabi@npa.gov.za
Cell no: 074 823 3603