Polokwane – The Nkowankowa Regional Court, in Limpopo, has sentenced 27-year-old Vongani Sobala Shikwambana to seven life terms for raping three girls aged 9, 11, and 13.
Shikwambana, who also robbed the children of their cellphones, was also slapped with a 15-year imprisonment sentence for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The accused was sentenced after he was found guilty of multiple counts of rape and robbery committed in 2017 at Bonn Village under the Letsitele policing area.
Evidence before the court indicated that on 26 February 2017, at about 16:00, the accused, armed with a panga and accompanied by a dog, came across three girls aged 9, 11, and 13.
Shikwambana forced the terrified children into nearby bushes, where he repeatedly sexually assaulted them.
After the dastardly attack, the older girls managed to run away, leaving the youngest behind, whom Shikwambana raped and robbed of two cellphones.
Following an intensive search by community members and the police, the Shikwambana was traced, arrested, and charged with multiple counts of rape and robbery.
The sentences were handed down on Monday, 27 October 2025.
Commenting on the matter on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, welcomed the “heavy sentences”.
Major General Scheepers commended the investigating officer and the prosecution team for their dedication to ensuring that justice was served for the vulnerable victims.
The case was meticulously investigated by Detective Sergeant Phumudzo Mabongo from the Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.
“This sentence sends a strong message that crimes against women and children will never be tolerated,” said Major General Scheepers.
“We applaud the outstanding work by the investigating officer and the criminal justice system for ensuring that such a heartless perpetrator is permanently removed from society.”
