Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, Deputy Echo Editor
A man from South Africa has been handed seven life sentences for seven counts of rape after being found guilty of sexually assaulting three girls, aged 9, 11 and 13, eight years ago.
He attacked the girls while brandishing a machete and used his dog to subdue, rape and rob them in 2017.
In a statement, the Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, said he welcomed the heavy sentence handed down by the Nkowankowa Regional Court on Monday, 27 October 2025, against a 27-year-old accused, Vongani Sobala Shikwambana, who was found guilty of multiple counts of rape and robbery committed in February 2017 at Bonn Village under the Letsitele policing area.
“The court sentenced the accused to seven (07) life imprisonment terms for seven (07) counts of rape and 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances. The incident took place on 26 February 2017, at about 16:00, when the accused, armed with a panga and accompanied by a dog, came across three minor girls aged 9, 11, and 13 years,” Major General Scheepers said.
“He forced the victims into nearby bushes, where he repeatedly raped them. Two of the victims managed to escape, leaving the youngest behind, whom the accused further raped before robbing her of two mobile phones.”
Major General Scheepers said following an intensive search by community members and the police, the accused was traced, arrested, and charged with multiple counts of rape and robbery.
“The case was meticulously investigated by Detective Sergeant Phumudzo Mabongo from the Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. After a lengthy and thorough trial, the court found the accused guilty and imposed the following sentence: Count 1–7 (Rape): Life imprisonment for each count (7 life sentences) and Count 8 (Robbery with aggravating circumstances): 15 years’ imprisonment,” he said.
Major General Scheepers commended the investigating officer and the prosecution team for their dedication in ensuring that justice was served for the vulnerable victims.
“This sentence sends a strong message that crimes against women and children will never be tolerated. We applaud the outstanding work by the investigating officer and the criminal justice system for ensuring that such a heartless perpetrator is permanently removed from society,” said Major General Scheepers.
