The Groblersdal Regional Court sentenced Abram Tobani Makubela (25) to life imprisonment for rape and an additional 15 years for housebreaking and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Makubela was sentenced on May 13 and the court ordered that his sentences run concurrently. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The court heard that on December 4, 2023, at about 00:30, a 64-year-old woman was asleep next to her boyfriend at Donkey-Stop Village within the Zaaiplaas policing precinct when she was woken up by the sound of a window shattering.

Makubela suddenly entered the woman’s bedroom and demanded money, telling her that he had seen her buying liquor at a local tavern.

The victim revealed to him that the money was under a tablecloth.

He ordered the boyfriend to cover his face with a pillow and then raped the woman. Following the ordeal, Makubela stole R200. He also took another woman’s handbag, containing R1 500 in cash, from another house inside the yard, and fled the scene on foot.

A case of rape was opened at the local police station and immediately transferred to the Groblersdal Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo Provincial Police spokesperson, said that Makubela was arrested on April 20 last year.

• Constable Tebatso Henry Mphahlele was assigned to the case, and following a meticulous investigation, managed to positively link Makubela through DNA while he was out on bail. Makubela made several court appearances before his sentencing.