Ernest Malatji was found guilty and declared unfit to possess a fire arm for raping, killing and mutilating the body of Kgomotso Raolane of Relela village in January 2014.
According to court documents, the victim was walking with two friends when they were overpowered by Malatji who threatened them with a panga.
Her friends managed to escape but the victim was dragged into the bushes, her mouth bound with a cloth before she was raped and murdered.
The suspect also cut off the victims left hand before leaving the scene.
Her body was found by a passer by the next day.
The death of the woman sparked violent protests in the area with members of the community one night attacking the satellite police station at Relela.
A specialised task team was appointed to investigate the murder and the breakthrough came only a few weeks later when the suspect was arrested at Bolobedu.
He was eventually linked through a DNA analysis.
Meanwhile in another unrelated case finalised last Wednesday, a 23 year-old Xolani Malesa from Maphalle Village in Bolobedu was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by Tzaneen Regional
Court for the rape of a 10 year old girl in February 2015.
The provincial management of the South African Police Service welcomed the hefty sentences for the crimes committed against women and children during the past few years.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba praised the investigating team for their perseverance and dedication and stressed that this indicates that the police will never stop in their efforts to bring callous murderers and rapists to book.
Lt Genl Ledwaba stressed that these sentences re-emphasise the commitment of the police and the sister departments such as the NPA and the Department of Justice in bringing heartless suspects to book for heinous crimes against the most vulnerable groups in the community.
“With the festive season as well as the 16 Days of Activism against Women and Children just around the corner I would like to re iterate that the province will be turned blue during the next few weeks as we are intensifying our crime prevention strategies and efforts to keep the community safe” he said.
“This province will not be a safe haven for criminals planning and executing their criminal activities” warned Ledwaba.
