By AGISANANG SCUFF
27 July 2026 – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it welcomes the sentence of life imprisonment handed down by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court to Helder Isidro (34) from Eersterust. NPA said Isidro was sentenced to two life imprisonment terms for two counts of rape of a woman (26), 15 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances and five years’ imprisonment for kidnapping.
The NPA regional spokesperson, Tshegofatso Makhudu said the court ordered those sentences on count 2, 3, and 4 run concurrently with the sentence of life imprisonment. Makhudu said Isidro was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
“On the evening of 18 July 2023, the victim took a taxi from Pretoria Central to Mamelodi. During the journey to Mamelodi, the taxi driver stopped near Waltloo train station, gave the victim her money back and told her that he would not be proceeding with the trip.
“On the victim’s way to catch another taxi, Isidro approached her, pointed a firearm at her and instructed her to walk towards a nearby bridge, where he sexually assaulted her. After the rape, he took her cell phone, and fled the scene. Immediately after the incident, the victim went to the nearest police station and reported the matter to the police,” she said.
Makhudu further said on 25 July 2023, the victim saw Isidro at the municipal office in Silverton, she called the police and Isidro was arrested. He has been in custody since the NPA successfully opposed his bail. The victim received medical, psychological, and legal assistance at the Mamelodi Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC),” said Makhudu.
She said in court, Isidro pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him and denied ever committing the offences. Makhudu added that, however, the state prosecutor, Andries Ntjana presented compelling evidence, including the testimony of the victim, which proved his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
“Isidro, through his legal representative, asked the court not to impose the prescribed minimum sentences, stating that he is a first offender, has two minor children who are dependent on him, and that he works for his family business. However, Ntjana argued that Isidro showed no remorse and that he is convicted of very serious offences which are prevalent not only in the courts but in the country.
“Furthermore, he said that rape is a heinous and degrading crime and that the crime against women and children in our country has become a pandemic; therefore, society expects the courts to hand down sentences that will send a strong message to the offender and further offenders,” she said.
Makhudu said Ntjana also read a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Kgomotso Lodi, where the victim expressed how the incident negatively affected her emotionally and mentally, and how it also ruined her relationship with her partner. She said the magistrate agreed with the state that he showed no remorse even after he was found guilty of the offences and that what makes the offence worse is that he assaulted the victim, while raping her.
“Furthermore, the magistrate said that Isidro violated the basic human right of safety of the victim and that incidents of sexual violence are on the rise in our country. Therefore, the court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from imposing the sentence of life imprisonment.
“The NPA welcomes the sentence, which reflects the gravity of gender-based violence and sexual offences within communities. The authority remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators of these heinous crimes are held accountable while continuing to support victims in their pursuit of justice,” said Makhudu.
She said the NPA applauds the dedicated work of the Thuthuzela Care Centre, the state prosecutor, and the Investigating Officer, Constable Chauke.
The Guardian 