Polokwane: The Polokwane High Court has sentenced 31-year-old Matome Ruben Modiba to 141 years of direct imprisonment following his conviction for multiple counts of rape and robbery in the Maake policing area, Tzaneen Mopani District. The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has expressed her approval of the court's decision, highlighting the significance of the sentencing in bringing justice to the victims.

According to South African Police Service, the evidence presented in court revealed that on February 12, 2017, a victim was attacked while walking home from Maake Plaza. The assailant, who was later identified as Modiba, forcefully grabbed, raped, and robbed the victim of her cellphone. Despite the crime being reported, Modiba continued his spree of similar offenses without being immediately identified.

On November 18, 2022, another incident occurred when a 16-year-old female victim was assaulted while walking with friends along TVET College Road. The perpetrator dragged her into nearby bushes and raped her. This case was reported to Maake SAPS and investigated by Sergeant Tintswalo Vukeya from the Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit. Sergeant Vukeya's diligent work led to Modiba's arrest after DNA evidence linked him to the crime. Modiba was denied bail and remained in custody until his conviction on April 21, 2026.

The court handed down a series of sentences for the various counts, including multiple 10-year terms for several rape charges and 13-year terms for robbery with aggravating circumstances. The longest sentence was 25 years for a rape charge, with three years suspended. In total, Modiba will serve 141 years in prison. Additionally, he has been declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Lieutenant General Hadebe praised the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit for their meticulous investigation, which played a crucial role in ensuring that justice was served for the victims of Modiba's crimes.