Limpopo serial rapist sentenced to 222 years imprisonment
A dangerous criminal, Lesley Morwamashobe Mohlala [33], who terrorised communities for years across Nebo and Hlogotlou in the Sekhukhune District, Limpopo, has been handed a heavy 222-year prison sentence by the Polokwane High Court.
For years, Lesley Morwamashobe Mohlala reportedly targeted government buildings, clinics, the Traffic Station, Public Works offices and various other public facilities.
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His criminal activities included robbing security officers of their firearms and cellphones, committing series of robberies where victims were stripped of belongings and rape.
He was arrested for rape on 18 March 2018 but escaped in October the same year while being transported to Witbank Prison.
The escape occurred at Learsdrift policing area, prompting the opening of a case docket. He was re-arrested at his hiding place in Jane Furse on 14 April 2023.
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On Monday, 09 June 2025, Mohlala was found guilty on 23 counts and sentenced 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.
On 11 October 2018, Mohlala escaped from lawful custody while being transported to Witbank Prison. During his time on the run, Mohlala terrorised Nebo and Hlogotlou areas.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the collaborative efforts and diligent work of both officers.
She further made it clear that the South African Police Service in Limpopo will continue to track down and apprehend criminals who terrorise innocent communities, regardless of how long it takes or where they hide.
