DNA evidence secures 20-year sentence for serial rapist in Limpopo

A 34-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping three women in separate attacks that took place between 2012 and 2018 in Mentz Village, located within the Mankweng policing area in Limpopo.

The Polokwane High Court on Monday convicted Maipa Sole Malegodi on multiple counts of rape and robbery, following a lengthy investigation by the Limpopo Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.

During the trial, the court heard that Malegodi had targeted three young women aged between 18 and 24. In each case, he threatened his victims with a dangerous weapon before raping them and stealing their belongings.

After the survivors reported the incidents to Mankweng police, the cases were transferred to the provincial FCS Unit. Sergeant Ishmael Matjeka was assigned to lead the investigation, which ultimately led to Malegodi’s arrest. He was conclusively linked to all three cases through DNA evidence.

Malegodi was sentenced as follows:

• Count 1: 25 years' imprisonment, with 5 years suspended for 5 years on condition he is not convicted of a similar offence during that time.

• Count 2: 10 years' imprisonment.

• Count 3: 3 years' imprisonment.

• Count 4: 25 years' imprisonment, with 5 years suspended under the same conditions as Count 1.

The court ordered that the sentences for Counts 2, 3, and 4 run concurrently with Count 1, effectively resulting in a 20-year prison term.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the sentence and applauded the investigating officer, including everyone who participated in the case as accused was finally sentenced to jail imprisonment.

The SAPS has encouraged survivors of gender-based violence to continue reporting such crimes, assuring the public that all cases will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.