By Montsho Matlala
Thohoyandou – The Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Advocate Ivy Thenga, has welcomed the life sentence handed down to convicted rapist and murderer Gift Madau (37), a Zimbabwean national, by the Thohoyandou High Court sitting at the Waterval Magistrate’s Court.
Madau received life imprisonment for raping four women and an additional 43 years for forcing others to watch as he carried out the attacks.
“These sentences provide some justice and closure to the victims and their families, as violent criminals are removed from our streets,” said Thenga, adding that all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction and punishment deserved appreciation.
Between April and May 2021, Madau prowled bushes and mountains in Vhufuli and Khubvi villages, armed with a panga and a knife, targeting women collecting firewood.
He covered his face with a balaclava and threatened his victims before raping them forcing others to watch before their turn came.
Although he pleaded not guilty, DNA evidence linked him to the crimes.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzangi said State advocate Nnyambeni Nekhambele argued that Madau showed no remorse, noting that one victim was raped multiple times.
Judge George Phatudi ruled the attacks were well planned and calculated, leaving no grounds for leniency. The court also heard that Madau had previous convictions for murder and robbery.
