Makgoba Alpheus Machabaphala (33) was convicted and sentenced by the Seshego Regional Court for rape and multiple related offences.
The conviction stems from an incident on 29 September 2023, when the accused forcefully gained entry into the residence of his ex-girlfriend in the Matlala policing area and raped her.
During the ordeal, the accused also threatened the victim and demanded that she cancel an existing protection order she had previously obtained against him.
The matter was reported to the police the following day and later transferred to the Seshego Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for investigation.
Through meticulous investigative work by Detective Constable Rotshidzwa Judith Mafadza, the accused was traced and arrested on 27 October 2023. He was denied bail at his first appearance and remained in custody until the finalisation of the case.
On 20 October 2025, the Seshego Regional Court found the accused guilty on all charges. He was sentenced on 01 December 2025 as follows: Life Imprisonment for rape. Four years’ imprisonment for contravention of the Domestic Violence Act. Four years’ imprisonment for Assault GBH and four years’ imprisonment for Assault.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the hefty sentence.
Bongi Sikelo 