UNIVEN welcomes life sentence for serial rapist
A serial rapist who terrorized UNIVEN students has been sentenced to life imprisonment, with the conviction bringing relief to the university community.
LIMPOPO – The University of Venda (Univen) has welcomed the life imprisonment sentence of Victor Madia, a serial rapist convicted for attacks on university students.
Madia, from Tshakhuma, was sentenced by the Regional Court of Sibasa to life imprisonment for one count of rape, 20 years for each of two additional counts of rape, and 10 years for two counts of theft.
All sentences will run concurrently with the life sentence for the first count of rape.
Dr Takalani Dzaga, Univen spokesperson, praised the victims for their courage.
“Justice has been served for the victims, and their bravery throughout this ordeal is commendable. This sends a clear message that heinous crimes have severe consequences. Our hearts go out to the survivors, and we hope they find some solace in this verdict,” Dzaga stated.
He also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to student safety, vowing to continue efforts to create a secure environment.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo, through spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, detailed that between August and October 2018, Madia terrorised University of Venda students by threatening them with dangerous weapons, dragging them into the bushes at the university, raping them, and stealing their belongings.
One victim was raped multiple times, and police intervention saved her from further assault.
The accused was identified by one of the victims days after the attack, leading to his arrest. Forensic evidence connected him to other cases.
State advocate Steven Muavha pushed for the harshest punishment, pointing out that Madia was a repeat offender and showed no remorse.
The court agreed, with presiding officer Mabitsela Daniel emphasising the predator-like behavior of the accused and the absence of mitigating factors.
NPA director of public prosecutions, Advocate Ivy Thenga, expressed hope that the sentence would act as a deterrent to other potential offenders.
She also commended Advocate Muavha and Detective Nemaxwi of the Thohoyandou family violence and sexual offence unit for their work in securing the conviction.
