By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
10 March 2026 – The accused, Thapelo Joseph Chukutshwane (34) was sentenced to four life sentences plus an additional 20 years imprisonment by the Molopo Regional Court after being convicted on five counts of rape and one count of house-breaking with intent to rob. The court heard that between 2013 and 2024, women in and around Mahikeng were accosted by an unknown man who raped and robbed them of their belongings.
The victims were between the ages of 17 and 43.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said investigations further revealed that in one incident, a victim (43), was asleep in her home when the accused forcibly gained entry by breaking down the door before raping and robbing her of several items. Gunya said all incidents were reported to the police.
“Through DNA analysis, investigators were able to link Chukutshwane to the crimes, which led to his arrest in August 2025. During the court proceedings, the accused pleaded guilty to all the charges. The state presented overwhelming DNA evidence linking him to the offences.
“In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutor Kefentse Diseko urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences, highlighting the alarming increase in rape cases and emphasising that the accused targeted vulnerable members of the community,” he said.
Gunya further said the court imposed four life sentences for four counts of rapes, 15 years imprisonment for one count of rape and five years imprisonment for house-breaking with intent to rob. He added that the court ordered that the accused’s name be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
“The victims received immediate support and were referred to the Mafikeng Thuthuzela Care Centre, where they received medical, emotional, and legal assistance.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence and commended the work of Diseko, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and all role players involved in securing the conviction.
“We stand united in our resolve to ensure justice is served, and we reiterate that violent crimes will not be tolerated,” she said.
The Guardian 