TZANEEN – On Monday (October 27), the Nkowankowa Regional Court sentenced Vongani Sobala Shikwambana (27) to seven life imprisonment terms, plus 15 years, for multiple counts of rape and robbery committed in 2017 in the Letsitele area.

The crime

According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, late on a February afternoon in 2017, Shikwambana, walking with a dog and armed with a panga, came across three girls aged 9, 11, and 13-years-old.

He forced the victims into nearby bushes, where he repeatedly raped them.

“Two of the victims managed to escape, leaving the youngest behind, whom the accused further raped before robbing her of two cellphones,” says Ledwaba.

Following an intensive search by community members and the police, the accused was traced, arrested, and charged.

Sentencing

“Detective Sergeant Phumudzo Mabong, from the Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, meticulously investigated the case.”

After a lengthy trial, the court imposed the following sentence:

• Counts 1–7 (Rape): Life imprisonment for each count
• Count 8 (Robbery with aggravating circumstances): 15 years imprisonment

Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers commended the dedication to ensuring that justice was served.

“This sentence sends a strong message that crimes against women and children will never be tolerated. We applaud the outstanding work by the investigating officer and the criminal justice system for ensuring that such a heartless perpetrator is permanently removed from society,” said Scheepers.