By Mashamba Media
The Media Guru
A 33-year-old man from Mapela Ga-Chaba in Limpopo has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of a 68-year-old woman, bringing closure to a horrific case that shook the rural village in December 2023.
Kabelo Prince Monethe was found guilty and handed a life sentence by the Mahwelereng Regional Court on Thursday after DNA evidence definitively linked him to the brutal attack.
The incident occurred in the early hours of 16 December 2023, when the elderly victim was awoken by a loud noise at her kitchen door. When she went to investigate, she was ambushed, forced to the ground, and raped.
After the assault, Monethe reportedly forced the victim to accompany him to the gate. However, when she saw a neighbour nearby, she screamed for help, prompting the suspect to flee. The neighbour immediately alerted other residents and contacted police.
In a critical turn of events, Monethe left behind his underwear at the scene — a piece of evidence that community members were able to identify as his. He was arrested later that same day.
The case faced delays due to an initial dispute over the suspect’s identity and was not immediately enrolled. However, forensic testing confirmed Monethe’s involvement, and the case was re-enrolled and concluded today with a life sentence.
Warrant Officer Chuene Selolo from the Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit led the investigation.
Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the investigating officer and the community for their swift action and cooperation.
