RAPIST SENTENCED TO TWO LIFE TERMS 

23 February 2026

RAPIST SENTENCED TO TWO LIFE TERMS 

Molopo, North West – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the conviction and sentencing of 49-year-old Sello Mosikwa to two life terms by the Molopo Regional Court for two separate rape offences committed in 2024. The court further declared him unfit to possess a firearm. 

On 28 April 2024 in Mmabatho, Mosikwa encountered a 21-year-old woman who was walking home from a tavern with her friend. He voluntarily accompanied them as they were passing near his residence. Along the way, he became aggressive, dragged the victim to his house, and raped her. The friend managed to escape. 

In a separate incident during the same month, a 40-year-old woman withdrew money from an ATM at Mega City Complex in Mmabatho. On her way home, she stopped at a local tavern to charge her phone due to a low battery. Investigations revealed that Mosikwa was employed at the tavern and assisted her in charging her phone. While waiting, she purchased alcohol. 

When the victim indicated that she wished to leave after her phone had charged, the accused took her to a house next door under the pretext that the tavern was becoming full and that people in her age group were seated there. Upon arrival, he dragged her inside and raped her. The victim reported the matter to the police, leading to Mosikwa’s arrest. He was denied bail and remained in custody until the finalisation of the case. 

During the trial, Mosikwa pleaded not guilty. In aggravation of sentence, Advocate Kefentse Diseko argued that the State had presented credible and consistent witnesses who did not know the accused before the incidents. He further submitted that Mosikwa’s conduct was premeditated and that he deliberately targeted vulnerable women. The State highlighted his lack of remorse throughout the proceedings and the devastating impact of gender-based violence, urging the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. 

In delivering judgment, Regional Court Magistrate Stephan Du Toit emphasised the accused’s lack of remorse and his deliberate targeting of vulnerable individuals. The court underscored the need to protect victims and to send a clear message that such crimes will attract the severest penalties. 

Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended Advocate Kefentse Diseko and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction. She noted that the outcome serves as a strong deterrent to perpetrators of gender-based violence. 

The NPA reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of victims of sexual offences and to ensuring that offenders are held fully accountable. 

Issued by: 

Sivenathi Gunya 

Communications Officer

North West Division

Email: sgunya@npa.gov.za 

Cell: 078 172 9367