The Limpopo Division of High Court in Polokwane has sentenced Motsepane Lolo Madigoe to multiple life terms for rape, assault, kidnapping, and housebreaking. Madigoe was arrested in October 2020, putting an end to his six-year-long reign of terror in the Seleteng village in Capricorn District.
Investigating Officer’s Role in Madigoe’s Conviction
Sergeant Magaila Makopo, the investigating officer from the Lebowakgomo Family Violence, Child and Sexual Offences unit, played a crucial role in ensuring Madigoe’s conviction. Her dedication and hard work led to a meticulous investigation, preventing Madigoe from being granted bail.
Madigoe’s Crimes
Madigoe’s first known crime occurred on June 10, 2015, when he raped a woman in front of her children and a sibling. He also targeted a 74-year-old woman he had met through a friend, raping her as well. Madigoe was linked to ten offenses through DNA analysis.
The Sentencing
Madigoe’s primary sentences were as follows:
- Count 1: Housebreaking with the intent to rape – Ten (10) years imprisonment.
- Count 2: Rape – Life imprisonment.
- Count 3: Housebreaking with the intent to commit crime – Eight (8) years imprisonment.
- Count 4: Assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm – Ten (10) years imprisonment.
- Count 5: Kidnapping – Eight (8) years imprisonment.
- Count 6: Rape – Fifteen (15) years imprisonment.
- Count 7: Housebreaking with the intent to rape – Ten (10) years imprisonment.
- Count 8: Rape – Life imprisonment.
- Count 9: Rape – Life imprisonment.
- Count 10: Rape – Fifteen (15) years imprisonment.
Counts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 will run concurrently with count 2. Additionally, Madigoe has been declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Positive Impact on the Community
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, welcomed the sentence, stating that it would discourage potential rapists. The community can find closure in Madigoe’s sentencing, and Sergeant Makopo’s unwavering commitment to justice has restored faith in the justice system and public safety.
