Justice Served: Limpopo Serial Rapist Gets Five Life Terms and 165 Years in Jail
Polokwane High Court has handed a serial rapist five life sentences plus 165 years for multiple counts of rape, kidnapping, and housebreaking with intent to rape committed in the Zebediela area under the Waterberg District.
The convicted serial rapist, Ramoadi William Minyuku, 42, was sentenced to five life terms plus 165 years by the Polokwane High Court on Friday for a series of brutal attacks that terrorised the community. The crimes, which spanned from 2014 to 2016, involved repeated assaults on vulnerable young girls, highlighting a pattern of predatory behaviour that shocked the nation. This severe punishment reflects the court’s commitment to removing dangerous offenders from society, as commended by Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, who applauded the investigating team for their diligent work.
Reign of Terror: Details of Minyuku’s Crimes
Minyuku’s crimes began in November 2014 when he broke into a home and raped a 12-year-old girl. Between May and June 2016, he continued to target the same victim, threatening her with a knife and raping her on separate occasions. He would ambush her when she was sent to the shops, dragging her to an abandoned house to carry out the assaults.
In another horrific incident, Minyuku assaulted a 17-year-old girl with beer bottles before dragging her into nearby bushes and raping her multiple times. These attacks were initially reported as crimes committed by an “unknown suspect,” but advancements in DNA evidence led to his identification and arrest in 2024 by Sergeant Mokgaetsi Predict Sema of the Provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation Unit (SECI).
The victims’ bravery in coming forward and the meticulous police work were crucial in building the case, which included 26 separate counts. The assaults not only caused physical harm but also left lasting psychological trauma on the young survivors and their families.
Sentencing: Five Life Terms and Additional 165 Years
The court imposed sentences ranging from 5 to 15 years on the 26 counts, in addition to the five life sentences. Most sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of life imprisonment. Minyuku was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, further ensuring public safety.
He remained in custody throughout the trial until sentencing, demonstrating the seriousness with which the justice system treated the case. The Polokwane High Court’s decision sends a strong message about the consequences of such heinous crimes.
Police and Community Response: Applause for Justice Served
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the outcome, stating it ensures the perpetrator is removed from society permanently. She applauded the investigating team for their diligent work, emphasising the importance of DNA evidence in cracking cold cases.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba provided details on the crimes and sentencing, noting the court’s firm stance. Community leaders in Zebediela have expressed relief, hoping the verdict brings closure to the victims and deters future offenders. Advocacy groups like Women and Men Against Child Abuse have praised the sentence as a victory for justice, calling for more resources to support survivors.
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