The SAPS in Mpumalanga has welcomed the sentencing of Gordon Mabuza to two life terms for the rape of a 38-year-old woman and her 10-year-old daughter in Dullstroom.

The incident occurred on December 23, 2022, at around 02:30 at the victims’ home in Dullstroom.

The woman was asleep in one room while her 10-year-old daughter was sleeping in another.

Police detail violent attack

“Mabuza gained entry through a window. He instructed the woman not to look at him before assaulting and raping her. He stabbed her several times with a knife during the attack, causing her to faint. He threatened to kill her if she reported the incident. He then went to the room where her 10-year-old daughter was sleeping and raped her,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.

“The child lost consciousness as a result. When the mother regained consciousness, she discovered her cellphone was missing. She went to check on her daughter and found her unconscious. She sought help from a neighbour, who contacted the police,” added Ndubane.

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She said both victims were taken to hospital for medical treatment and that the child was discharged after three days, while her mother remained in hospital for about two weeks due to serious injuries.

The matter was investigated by the Belfast Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit. The accused was arrested on December 28, 2022.

Court hands down 2 life terms

On October 16, 2026, the Dullstroom Regional Court sentenced Mabuza as follows:

Count 1 – House burglary with intent to rape and rape: Life imprisonment

Count 2 – Attempted murder: 15 years’ imprisonment

Count 3 – House burglary with intent to rob and robbery: 12 months’ imprisonment

Count 4 – Intimidation: Withdrawn

Count 5 – Rape: Life imprisonment

The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, commended the investigation team, the prosec