THOHOYANDOU — The Thohoyandou Regional Court has sentenced 52-year-old Leonard Ramadzhiela Musiwalo to 22 years of direct imprisonment without the option of a fine for the rape of a 70-year-old woman in Tshilapfene Village. The court heard that the assault occurred on 23 August 2019 at approximately 08:30 within the Thohoyandou policing area. The victim […]
THOHOYANDOU — The Thohoyandou Regional Court has sentenced 52-year-old Leonard Ramadzhiela Musiwalo to 22 years of direct imprisonment without the option of a fine for the rape of a 70-year-old woman in Tshilapfene Village.
The court heard that the assault occurred on 23 August 2019 at approximately 08:30 within the Thohoyandou policing area. The victim was asleep in her residence when Musiwalo, a known resident of the same village, forcibly opened the door, threatened to harm her, and subsequently raped her.
Following the attack, the suspect fled the scene on foot. A formal rape case was immediately opened at the local police station, leading to Musiwalo’s apprehension the following day, on 24 August 2019.
The matter was subsequently transferred to the Thohoyandou Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) for specialized investigation. Sergeant Phumudzo Nemafhohoni was assigned to the case and demonstrated exceptional dedication to the proceedings. She successfully opposed the accused’s bail applications on multiple occasions, ensuring he remained in custody pending trial.
These sustained investigative and legal efforts culminated in Musiwalo’s conviction and formal sentencing on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, bringing a decisive conclusion to the case and delivering justice for the elderly victim.
