MAHWELERENG: A 38-year-old man, Duncan Mathibela, has been sentenced to ten years of direct imprisonment by the Mahwelereng Regional Court after being found guilty of raping a 17-year-old girl. The court’s decision was delivered following numerous appearances by Mathibela, who was convicted and sentenced on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

According to South African Police Service, the incident occurred on September 11, 2020, when the victim, then 17, was walking home after visiting a friend. She was approached by an unknown man who, threatening her with a firearm, robbed her of her cellphone before fleeing. Shortly after, a maxi-taxi arrived at the scene, and Mathibela emerged, offering assistance to the distressed teenager. Promising to call another taxi for her safety, he convinced her to accompany him to his residence.

Once at his home, located two streets away from the initial incident, Mathibela repeatedly raped the victim until the next morning. He then provided her with money and escorted her to a local
minibus, which she took to her residence in Zone Two, Mahwelereng township. Upon reaching home, the victim reported the assault to her mother, leading to a prompt report to the Mahwelereng police station. Authorities traced and apprehended Mathibela the same day.

Sergeant Tina Matsimbi from Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit (FCS) led the investigation. Mathibela was granted bail of R2000 on November 15, 2022. The meticulous investigation by Sergeant Matsimbi ensured the conviction, highlighting the betrayal of trust by Mathibela, who had posed as a protector to the vulnerable victim.

Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, expressed satisfaction with the court’s verdict and commended the investigation team for their thorough efforts, which contributed to securing the conviction.