A life imprisonment sentence handed down to a 28-year-old man for raping a 101-year-old woman in Zaaiplaas
Date Published
2025/10/01
Details

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Limpopo

POLOKWANE - The Limpopo Police Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the sentencing of Mahlangu Johannes Abram (28) to life imprisonment for the rape of a 101-year-old woman, and an additional three-year sentence for housebreaking.

The incident occurred at Sehlakoana village, Zaiplaas on Friday, 26 July 2024, at approximately 18:00. The court noted that the victim went to sleep in her bedroom, with doors and windows securely closed, and there was nothing unusual noticed. The following morning, Saturday, 27 July 2024, at about 05:00, while the victim was still in bed, an unknown male entered her room. The suspect forcibly restrained the victim, ordered her to remain quiet, undressed her, and raped her. After committing the heinous crime, the accused escaped through a window.

The victim immediately sought help, and her nephew pursued the suspect. With the diligent work of the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Victoria Phala of Groblersdal Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit, the accused was identified, arrested, and later linked to the crime through DNA analysis.

Mahlangu Johannes Abram (28) was found guilty of rape in terms of Section 3 of Act 32 of 2007 and was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was also sentenced to three years for housebreaking.

The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the investigating officer, and everyone who participated for their dedication in ensuring that justice was served and further reiterated that crimes against the elderly will be treated with the utmost seriousness.

Ends

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Attachments
  • 00.jpg
    Accused, Mahlangu Johannes Abram (28)
  • 1.jpg
    Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Victoria Phala of Groblersdal FCS unit