Despite overwhelming evidence that included positive DNA testing against him, Johannes Tshepo Molobi (42) pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape and assault with the intention to do grievous bodily harm (assault GBH).

The KwaMhlanga Regional Court convicted Molobi and sentenced him to two live terms and an additional 12 years direct imprisonment for the crimes on Monday, November 18.
The court heard that Molobi broke into a house at Zakheni in the KwaMhlanga region in July 2012 and attacked two female victims who were asleep.

He threatened them, forced them to undress and proceeded to rape them. After committing these acts, he fled.

“The victims, who did not know their attacker, reported the matter to the police and received medical attention at a local hospital,” said provincial National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa.

The court heard that Molobi continued with his spree of violent sexual crimes. He attacked and raped his girlfriend on a street in Mandela, stabbing and assaulting her multiple times in September 2020. This incident was also reported to the police and eventually Molobi was arrested.

While investigating this particular case the police discovered that the DNA results also linked Molobi to the first rapes that he had committed eight years earlier.

State prosecutor Biance Harmse pointed out that Molobi did not show any remorse despite the availability of overwhelming evidence against him, including the DNA.

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Harmse said Molobi committed violent acts against vulnerable individuals and left them with long lasting psychological and physical trauma.

The court found the State’s evidence credible and convicted Molobi on three counts of rape and one count of assault GBH.

In handing down the sentence, the court emphasised that Molobi was a danger to the society, was a repeat offender and that he was not suitable for rehabilitation.

The court sentenced Molobi to two life imprisonment terms for the two first counts of rape, ten years’ imprisonment for the third count of rape and two years’ imprisonment for assault GBH.

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He was declared unfit to possess a firearm under Section 103(1) of the Firearms Control Act, 60 of 2000.

Nyuswa said the NPA welcomed the sentence as a strong stance against gender-based violence and a testament to its commitment to ensuring justice for victims as well as holding perpetrators accountable.

The court imposed the hefty sentence despite listening to Molobi’s pre-sentence report that detailed his personal circumstances.