Pretoria – The Pretoria High Court has literally locked away 30-year-old convicted rapist Tshepo Murendeni Mulovhedzi and thrown away the key.
In a landmark sentence, the court today, Friday, 12 June 2026, slapped Mulovhedzi from Mamelodi with four life terms and 79 years’ direct imprisonment for a string of violent crimes.
The convictions include the rape of an 11-year-old girl, the premeditated murder and rape of 25-year-old Dolly Phoko Seoka, and the rape of three other women aged 21, 25, and 27.
The accused was sentenced as follows:
- Four life terms for the rape of an 11-year-old girl, the rape and premeditated murder of 25-year-old Dolly Phoko Seoka, and the rape of two other women aged 25 and 27
- 30 years’ direct imprisonment for two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances,
- 30 years’ direct imprisonment for three counts of attempted murder,
- 10 years’ direct imprisonment for the rape of a 21-year-old woman,
- 6 years’ direct imprisonment for two counts of housebreaking with intent to rape and
- 3 years’ direct imprisonment for theft.
Mulovhedzi’s name will be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders, and he has been declared unfit to possess a firearm.
During sentencing, Mulovhedzi pleaded guilty, claiming he was “bewitched” by his uncle.
His legal team asked for leniency, citing his upbringing and guilty plea.
However, Advocate Vusimuzi Tshabalala argued against deviation from minimum sentences, stressing the severity of the crimes and the absence of genuine remorse.
The accused Mulovhedzi, was arrested while already serving a sentence for murdering another woman, indicating he remained a danger to society.
Judge Mashudu Munzhelele agreed, describing the crimes as “brutal invasions of privacy, dignity, and bodily integrity.”
Judge Mashudu found no compelling reason to reduce the sentence, highlighting the clear pattern of predatory behaviour.
Victim Impact Statements, facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Lebogang Lebese, outlined the deep emotional, physical, and financial harm suffered by the victims and their families.
The court noted the importance of these voices in shaping the outcome.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the ruling, reaffirming its commitment to prosecuting crimes against women and children.
“The NPA praised the work of the Mamelodi Thuthuzela Care Centre, the state prosecutor, and Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Herman Mangwane for their dedication in securing justice,” stated spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana.
