- A 34-year-old Mahikeng man has received four life sentences plus 20 years after pleading guilty to five counts of rape and one count of housebreaking with intent to rob, committed between 2013 and 2024.
- The victims, aged between 17 and 43, were targeted in separate incidents across the Mahikeng area. DNA evidence linked Chukutshwane to the crimes.
- Although South African law allows parole consideration after 25 years for life sentences, the combined punishment means Chukutshwane will spend decades behind bars and would only be eligible for release at an advanced age.
A series of sexual attacks that terrorised women in and around Mahikeng for more than a decade has ended with a sentence that will almost certainly keep the perpetrator in prison for the rest of his life.
Thapelo Joseph Chukutshwane, now 34, was sentenced by the Molopo Regional Court after pleading guilty to five counts of rape and one count of housebreaking with intent to rob. The offences occurred between 2013 and 2024, involving women aged between 17 and 43.
Evidence presented in court revealed that the victims were attacked in separate incidents across Mahikeng. In each case, an unknown man would accost women, rape them, and steal their belongings.
In one incident, a 43-year-old woman was asleep at home when Chukutshwane broke down her door, raped her, and robbed her of several personal items before fleeing.
Each incident was reported to the police, enabling investigators to build a case over time. The breakthrough came with DNA analysis, which linked Chukutshwane to the attacks and led to his arrest in August 2025.
During the trial, the state relied heavily on this DNA evidence. Faced with the strength of the case, Chukutshwane pleaded guilty to all charges.
Prosecutor urges court not to deviate from minimum sentences
In aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor Kefentse Diseko urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentences, highlighting the seriousness of the offences and the accused’s repeated targeting of vulnerable women.
Diseko also pointed to the growing concern over rape cases in South Africa, arguing that a strong sentence was necessary to reflect the gravity of the crimes and to protect the public.
The court imposed four life sentences for four counts of rape, a further 15 years’ imprisonment for an additional rape count, and five years for housebreaking with intent to rob.
Chukutshwane’s name was ordered to be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders, and he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
What the sentence means in practical terms
Under South African law, offenders serving life sentences may only be considered for parole after serving at least 25 years in prison, and even then, only subject to strict conditions and approval processes. This does not guarantee release, but simply allows for the possibility of parole consideration.
Because Chukutshwane received four life sentences plus an additional 20 years, he faces decades behind bars before any possibility of release could arise.
At 34, even the earliest possible parole consideration would put him close to 60. In reality, the length and severity of his sentences, combined with the gravity of the crimes, mean he is likely to spend the rest of his life in prison.
Support for the victims
The victims received support after the crimes and were referred to the Mahikeng Thuthuzela Care Centre, where they were provided with medical care, as well as emotional and legal assistance.
Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, welcomed the outcome and praised both investigators and prosecutors for their work.
“We stand united in our resolve to ensure justice is served, and we reiterate that violent crimes will not be tolerated,” Makhari said.
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