LIMPOPO – The 29-year-old rapist, kidnapper and thief, Ndivhuwo Tshisikhawe, was sentenced to eight life sentences and 100 years’ imprisonment by the Limpopo High Court in Thohoyandou last week, for two counts of house break-in with intent to rape, three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, three counts of kidnapping and eight counts of rape including the rape of a girl aged 13.
The court heard that between March 2015 and July 2017, the accused terrorised residents of Lwamondo, Duthuni, Tshisaulu and Mvelapanda villages, situated just outside Thohoyandou.
He would enter the homestead of victims, threaten the victims with a knife and rob them of cash, bank cards and cellphones.
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After the arrests, Tshisikhawe managed to escape from custody but on July 19, 2017, he was re-arrested after three weeks of being on the run.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the offences.
In aggravation of sentence, state advocate Nduvheni Mulangaphuma told the court that Tshisikhawe is a heartless person, who raped young women and children.
In what is described as a victory for victims of gender-based violence, he concluded by pleading with the court to impose a life sentence.
During sentencing on August 24, judge Nare Frans Kgomo said the accused clearly has no respect for women and that the court is duty-bound to protect women and children, sending a clear message that these type of offences will not be tolerated.
The National Prosecuting Authority applauded Mulangaphuma and investigating officer Patrick Manthakha from the family violence and child protection and sexual offences unit in Thohoyandou, on their sterling work.
