By Montsho Matlala
Polokwane: A serial rapist who terrorised women and girls in the rural villages of Zebediela for more than a decade has been sentenced to five life terms by the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane.
William Ramoadi Minyuku (42), of Mshongo village in Zebediela, was convicted on 23 charges, including rape, housebreaking, kidnapping, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The court heard that between March 2011 and April 2017, Minyuku carried out a reign of terror in Hlakano, Sehlabeng, and Mshongo villages.
He broke into homes at night, threatened victims with a knife, and raped women and young girls before stealing their cellphones, money, and other valuables.
In some cases, he abducted victims and took them to secluded areas where he repeatedly assaulted them.
“His reign of terror ended when DNA evidence positively linked him to the crimes. Despite pleading not guilty, the evidence proved his involvement,” said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in Limpopo, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi.
The High Court sentenced him to five life terms and an additional 165 years. The sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective life imprisonment.
In aggravation of sentence, State advocate Muneiwa Ratshibvumo submitted a victim impact statement compiled by court preparation officer Morongwa Moifo.
Victims described the severe psychological, emotional, and physical trauma they endured. Some were forced to relocate to other villages due to the loss of security and dignity, Malabi-Dzhangi added.
Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Advocate Ivy Thenga, welcomed the judgment, calling it the result of years of painstaking investigative and prosecutorial work.