Man sentenced to 222 years for rape and robbery

The South African

a day ago

Notorious rapist and sexual offender, Lesley Morwamashobe Mohlala, has been handed a heavy sentence of 222 years imprisonment for rape and robbery.
Mohlala has long terrorised communities across Nebo and Hlogotlou policing areas in Sekhukhune District.
In the areas, he targeted government buildings, clinics, traffic stations, public works offices and various other public facilities.
In March 2018, the 33-year-old Mohlala was arrested at Hlogotlou SAPS for rape and his bail application was rejected.
A few months down the line, in October in the same year, Mohlala escaped from lawful custody while being transported to Witbank Prison.
During his escape, Mohlala committed various crimes, including robbing security officers of their firearms and cell phones and stealing money and valuables from other victims.
In April 2023, he was re-arrested by the Nebo Jane Furse tracking team at a Jane Furse hiding place and charged with eight robberies.
Additionally, DNA evidence linked him to 2 additional rape cases that occurred while he was an unknown suspect.
The Polokwane High Court found Mohlala guilty on 23 counts and sentenced him to a total of 222 years' imprisonment.
'The court ordered that 10 years imprisonment on count 1 does not run concurrently with counts 2 to 25, with a minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment on counts 2 to 25,' read the police statement.
The police arrested a 47-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man for allegedly abusing their two daughters, aged two and eight, in Bloubergstrand, Western Cape, on Tuesday, 10 June 2025.
According to Arrive Alive, the suspects are facing multiple charges which include child pornography, rape, sexual assault, and sexual grooming.
A multidisciplinary team comprising members of the National and Western Cape Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) Units, officials from the Department of Social Development (DSD), supported by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), located the suspects at a residence identified through joint investigative efforts.
The two victims were rescued and placed in a place of safety.
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