A man who raped and robbed a 91-year-old Limpopo granny has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the High Court in Thohoyandou.

Musa Walter Chabalala, of Tshisaulu Village near Thohoyandou, was also handed a 15-year sentence for robbery with aggravating circumstances.

The Thohoyandou High Court, sitting at the Waterval Magistrate’s Court, found Chabalala, 34, guilty of sexually assaulting and robbing Makwarela Mulaudzi at her home at Tshisaulu Village in August 2020. He received an additional five years for housebreaking with intent to commit an offence.

The court heard how Chabalala forcefully gained entry into Mulaudzi’s home by opening a window and breaking the door to her bedroom. Armed with a knife, he threatened the elderly woman, instructed her to hide under a blanket, and demanded money.

Chabalalal managed to steal approximately R40 and a sound system, then forced Mulaudzi to undress and raped her multiple times before fleeing the scene. The traumatized woman immediately reported the incident to the police at Tshisaulu. Police later linked Chabalala with the case through forensic evidence.

Despite pleading not guilty, the State, represented by Advocate Steven Muavha, presented compelling evidence that proved Chabalala’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

In aggravation of sentence, the prosecution argued that rape has reached pandemic levels in the Vhembe district, and harsher sentences were necessary to protect vulnerable citizens, especially the elderly. It was further highlighted that Chabalala was a repeat offender, undeterred by previous convictions.

Delivering his verdict, Judge Thogomelani Caution Tshidada described Chabalala as “one of the filthiest perpetrators who does not deserve to live in our communities.” The judge lamented that Mulaudzi was old enough to be Chabalala’s grandmother and should have been treated with dignity and respect. He noted the rapist’s lack of remorse and found no mitigating factors to justify leniency.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed Chabalala’s jail term, adding it hoped the sentence would serve as a strong deterrent to would-be offenders. Advocate Ivy Thenga, Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, commended the prosecution and investigation teams for their diligence and commitment to justice.
“This sentence reinforces our resolve to protect the most vulnerable in our society and ensure that justice prevails,” said Advocate Thenga.