The Polokwane High Court on Friday, 19 September 2025, sentenced Ramoadi William Minyuku, 42, to 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.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said Minyuku’s reign of terror began in November 2014 when he broke into a home and raped a 12-year-old girl.

“Between May and June 2016, the accused continued to threaten the same victim with a knife and raped her on separate occasions, targeting her when she was sent to the shops. The rapes took place at an abandoned house,” said Mashaba.

In another brutal attack, Minyuku assaulted a second victim, a 17-year-old girl, with beer bottles before dragging her into nearby bushes, where he raped her multiple times.

Initially reported as crimes committed by an “unknown suspect,” the cases were transferred to the Provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation Unit (SECI) in 2024. Sergeant Mokgaetsi Predict Sema identified and arrested Minyuku through DNA evidence.

“The court imposed 26 separate counts with sentences ranging from 5 to 15 years and five life sentences. Most sentences will run concurrently, making the effective sentence life imprisonment,” said Mashaba.

He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Police confirmed that the suspect remained in custody throughout the trial until his sentencing.

Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the outcome and applauded the investigating team for the diligent work of ensuring the perpetrator is removed from society permanently.

IOL News

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