A 25-year-old man, Abram Tobani Makubela, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and an additional 15 years for housebreaking with intent to rob and robbery with aggravating circumstances. The Groblersdal Regional Court delivered the judgment on Tuesday, ordering the sentences to run concurrently and declaring Makubela unfit to possess a firearm.
Details of the Crime
The court heard that on 04 December 2023 at around 00:30, a 64-year-old woman was asleep with her boyfriend in their home at Donkey-Stop Village under the Zaaiplaas policing area when Makubela broke a window and forced his way into the bedroom.
The accused demanded money, claiming he had seen the victim buying liquor at a local tavern. She directed him to money hidden under a tablecloth, but while searching, he discovered an axe under the bed.
Makubela then ordered the victim’s boyfriend to cover his face with a pillow before raping the woman. After the assault, he stole R200 from the house and proceeded to another dwelling within the yard, where he took a handbag containing R1,500 before fleeing on foot.
Investigation and Arrest
A rape case was immediately opened at the local police station and transferred to the Groblersdal Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses (FCS) Unit.
Constable Tebatso Henry Mphahlele was assigned to the case and conducted a thorough investigation, leading to Makubela’s arrest on 20 April 2024 in the Groblersdal policing precinct.
Despite being out on bail, DNA evidence positively linked Makubela to the crime. Constable Mphahlele ensured multiple court appearances, culminating in a guilty verdict for:
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Rape (Contravention of Section 3 of Act 32 of 2007)
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Housebreaking with intent to rob
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Robbery with aggravating circumstances
Police Commendation
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised Constable Mphahlele for his dedicated investigative work, ensuring that the accused was permanently removed from society for his brutal crimes.
This sentencing serves as a stern warning that gender-based violence and housebreaking will be met with the full might of the law.