Nzalama Mailula from Ga-Mohokgo Village was convicted of raping a 47 year-old woman cattle herder in August 2013.
Mailula was sentenced to a further 15 years imprisonment for robbery after he took the victim’s cellphone.
The court heard that the victim was taking a herd of cattle to a dipping place at about 09:00 when she was confronted by Mailula who was armed with axe and a knife.
He searched her and took her cell phone before raping her in the bushes.
Members of the community who heard her cries for help chased after Mailula until he was apprehended.
“Removing rapists from our streets for life will send a strong message to would be rapists that they will face the long arm of the law,” said police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe.
