The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has sentenced serial rapist Doctor Nkurube Maruma, a 34-year-old man from Mamelodi, to life imprisonment, along with an additional 491 years for a series of violent crimes.
Maruma was convicted on 41 counts, including 19 counts of rape, as well as numerous housebreaking and robbery charges. Between October 2017 and August 2022, he preyed upon vulnerable women and children in their homes, often armed with a knife or a gun. His victims ranged from a 15-year-old girl to a 38-year-old woman.
Maruma’s crime spree ended on 14 August 2022, following a swift police response during his attempted robbery and assault on another victim. The crucial intervention of a neighbour and a passing police vehicle led to his arrest and eventual conviction.
In court, Maruma denied all allegations, claiming innocence, but the prosecution, led by Advocate Vusimuzi Tshabalala, presented irrefutable DNA evidence and compelling victim testimonies, leaving no doubt about his guilt.
Lack of remorse and denial
During the sentencing phase, Maruma's plea for leniency based on his age at the time of the crimes was firmly rejected by the state. Tshabalala emphasised that by the time Maruma began his offenses at age 26, he was fully aware of his actions and exhibited no remorse. Judge Mashudu Munzhelele further condemned Maruma’s mockery of his victims during their testimonies.
NPA’s stand against GBV
Following the sentencing, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Marika Jansen van Vuuren, praised the prosecution’s tenacity, stating: “This landmark sentence sends a powerful message that crimes of gender-based violence will be met with the full might of the law. It reflects the NPA’s unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for victims, holding perpetrators accountable, and protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.”
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