The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured one of the harshest sentences possible after the Western Cape Division of the High Court in Cape Town sentenced child rapist Leano Vergotine (42) to five life terms and 78 years’ direct imprisonment. The court also invoked the provisions of Section 286A of the Criminal Procedure Act, declaring him a dangerous criminal.

Hopetown, Northern Cape – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the conviction and sentencing of Johnwyn Griffith Louw (32), who was sentenced to 20 years’ direct imprisonment by the Hopetown Regional Court after being found guilty of raping his 14-year-old neighbour.

The successful prosecution was led by Prosecutor Tlotlego Mkhondwana, who presented compelling testimonial, forensic, and medical evidence that proved the accused’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of two life terms and an additional 105 years' imprisonment imposed on Simphiwe Xolani Mkhwanazi (22) by the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court sitting in Breyten for multiple gender-based violence and related violent offences.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of life imprisonment handed down by the Estcourt Regional Court to a 40-year-old man after he was convicted of raping his minor daughter. The offences took place in Weenen in 2022.

The accused was the biological father of the complainant, and he lived together with the complainant and his other children. The complainant’s mother, who was sick, lived with other relatives.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has successfully opposed the bail application of seven accused charged with allegedly intimidating and extorting money from long-distance bus operators travelling between the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of two life terms and an additional 10 years’ imprisonment handed down by the Bethal Regional Court to Xolani Manuel Nkosi (35) for two counts of rape, kidnapping, and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm committed against a 17-year-old girl. The offences occurred in Emzinoni on 23 August 2023. The victim was walking home with a friend when they encountered the accused. He invited them to spend time with him.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentencing of former nurse, Hapiness Sithembile Xulu (49), and her former gardener, Simon Isaac Mogale (40), by the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg for the murder of Busisiwe Nxumalo, Xulu's stepdaughter and domestic worker.

Limpopo – A 27-year-old woman, Ntanganedzeni Siphugu, appeared briefly before the Tshilwavhusiku Magistrate's Court on two counts of murder. It is alleged that on 01 June 2026, at Madabani Village, the accused administered a poisonous substance to her two minor children, aged six and nine years.

Springbok, Northern Cape – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the conviction and sentencing of Jo-Ann Rochelle Klaase (45) by the Springbok Regional Court for multiple sexual offences committed against children in the Vioolsdrift area. Klaase was convicted on 33 counts involving children aged between seven and twelve years. The offences occurred between January 2022 and 29 November 2023.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentencing of three members of a criminal gang linked to taxi violence by the Polokwane High Court on charges including attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances , possession of explosives, and related serious offences. The sentences were imposed on 05 June 2026.