Seven Life Sentences for 28-Year-Old Limpopo Serial Rapist After Four-Year Reign of Terror

A 28-year-old man, Maanda Gladwin Sivhugwana, has been handed seven life sentences plus an additional 61 years in prison by the Limpopo High Court in Thohoyandou. The sentencing follows his conviction on 13 counts, including multiple rapes, robberies, and an attempted rape, bringing an end to a brutal four-year crime spree.

Sivhugwana's reign of terror took place between 2018 and 2022. He primarily targeted women in the Thohoyandou area, reportedly instilling fear in the community, including among students from the nearby University of Venda.

The court found Sivhugwana guilty on seven counts of rape, three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, one count of attempted rape, one count of kidnapping, and one count of assault.

Judge Khathutshelo Mphaphuli ordered the sentences to run concurrently, ensuring that Sivhugwana will spend the rest of his natural life in prison.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the severe sentence. NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi stated that the ruling sends a powerful and unequivocal message that gender-based violence (GBV) will not be tolerated, affirming the NPA's commitment to vigorously prosecuting such heinous crimes to protect communities.