Quick read

• Musa Walter Chabalala (34) from Tshisaulu village was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a 91-year-old woman, plus 15 years for robbery and 5 years for housebreaking.
• The crime occurred in August 2020, when Chabalala broke into the elderly woman’s home, threatened her with a knife, stole valuables, and raped her.
• Judge Tshidada called him “one of the filthiest perpetrators,” noting his lack of remorse and repeat offending, with the NPA welcoming the sentence as justice for the vulnerable.

Full story

LIMPOPO – The High Court in Thohoyandou, sitting at the Waterval Magistrate’s Court, has sentenced Musa Walter Chabalala (34) of Tshisaulu village to life imprisonment for the rape of a 91-year-old woman, along with 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and five years for housebreaking with intent to commit an offence.

The sentencing last Wednesday, followed harrowing testimony and forensic evidence proving that Chabalala broke into the elderly woman’s home on August 21, 2020, threatened her with a knife, stole approximately R40 and a sound system, and then repeatedly raped her before fleeing the scene.

The victim immediately reported the incident. A meticulous investigation led by Sergeant Madzivhandila linked Chabalala to the crime scene through forensic evidence.

Despite pleading not guilty, Chabalala was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt, with Advocate Steven Muavha representing the state.

In aggravating arguments, the prosecution said the alarming levels of rape in the Vhembe district called for the court to impose a sentence that sends a clear message to potential offenders.

It was also revealed that Chabalala is a repeat offender, with prior convictions failing to deter him.

In delivering judgment, Judge Thogomelani Caution Tshidada condemned the incident, calling Chabalala “one of the filthiest perpetrators, and one who does not deserve to live in our communities.”

The judge noted Chabalala’s lack of remorse, the victim’s extreme vulnerability, and found no mitigating circumstances.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the ruling, saying it reinforces the justice system’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.

Advocate Ivy Thenga, Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, praised the investigation and prosecution teams.

“This sentence sends a clear message: violence against the elderly and other vulnerable groups will not be tolerated. Justice has been served.”

Chabalala will serve his sentences concurrently, but will spend the rest of his life in prison.