By Teboho Moloi
KROONSTAD – The Kroonstad Regional Court has sentenced Mofihli Tshabalala of Maokeng to life term imprisonment and 70 years for rape and robbery following convictions on seven various violent crimes against elderly women on Friday 12 December 2025.
Mofihli had went on a raping spree and robbing the victims between 2011 and 2018 in the area of Maokeng continuously. All were elderly women aged 60 to 78 and were characterized by intimidation, the use of a knife, and deliberate targeting of vulnerable victims.
Regional National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the sentence is a clear indication that as the NPA they remain steadfast in the commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide.”
Through thorough investigations and vigorous prosecutions, the NPA works to ensure accountability, uphold victims’ rights and dignity, and promote safer communities. We further commend the prosecution and SAPS investigation teams for their professionalism and dedication in securing justice for the victims, “said Senokoatsane.
He added that communities must be safe environments for women, children, and all vulnerable individuals, free from violence and exploitation.
The court heard how Mofihli on 19 July 2017 attacked a 78-year-old woman while walking home, on 21 June 2012 he accosted a 70-year-old woman while returning from collecting firewood with a friend and on 28 April 2016 at Gelukwaarts Cemetery robbed cell phones and attacked a 60-year-old woman in the presence of her aunt.
Another 65-year-old woman was also attacked in an open field June 2018.The state through Prosecutor Ntabeseng Motshabi argued for a life sentence, demonstrating the accused’s pattern of preying on elderly women over an extended period, his lack of showing remorse, and the danger he poses to society.
The court convicted Mofihli on seven multiple counts of rape and robbery amounting to seven counts and imposing 10 years’ imprisonment for rape count 1, 10 years’ imprisonment for rape count 2, 15 years’ for robbery count 3, 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery count 4, 10 years’ imprisonment for rape count 5 and 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery count 7 which will run concurrently with life term imprisonment sentence for rape count 6.
