R71 serial rapist gets 85 years
The court found that Seoka terrorised the communities of Bolobedu and Tzaneen between 2015 and 2016 by raping and robbing women of their belongings.
The notorious R71 serial rapist was sentenced to 85 years behind bars by the Polokwane High Court on Monday, October 9. This comes after Godlip Reason Seoka (33) was found guilty on seven counts of rape.
He targeted unsuspecting women on their way to Tzaneen who did not know the area well and offered assistance. In doing so, he would lure them to secluded areas. “He would then rape and rob the victims of their belongings. The accused would also target women hitchhiking on the R71 road near Tzaneen Lifestyle Centre on the way to Phalaborwa and Giyani.
Also read: R71 serial rape case transferred
One of the victims was also hacked with a panga during an attack. After a police tip-off, he was arrested in December 2022, following a lengthy investigation, and was charged with rape and robbery,” said Malesela Ledwaba, the provincial spokesperson for SAPS in Limpopo. The case was transferred to the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit in Tzaneen for further investigation.
Sgt Glenda Mathebula was assigned to investigate the case. Seoka was denied bail and remained behind bars until he was found guilty in the Polokwane High Court. Seoka was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. The provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the conviction and heavy sentence handed to Seoka.
