Mpumalanga Rapist Sentenced To Life Imprisonment For Raping Woman While Collecting Firewood

The Belfast Regional Court in Mpumalanga has sentenced Sifiso Mokoena, a 26-year-old man, to life imprisonment for the rape of a 40-year-old woman in Waterval Boven in 2020.

Mokoena was sentenced on April 8, 2025, nearly five years after the brutal assault.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Drug Lab With Equipment And Products Worth R28 Million Recovered In Standerton

According to provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the crime  he was sentenced for, occurred on July 26, 2020, when the victim was collecting firewood in a nearby bush.

Mokoena, armed with a firearm, threatened her before committing the rape.

A case was immediately opened and assigned to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, which led to Mokoena’s arrest later that month.

Court Denies Bail, Hands Down Harsh Sentence

Following his arrest in July 2020, Mokoena attended multiple court hearings and applied for bail, which was denied.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Bushiri Slams NPA’s Decision To Auction His 50 Million Private Jet

His case was later transferred to the Belfast Regional Court, where he was ultimately convicted and sentenced to life behind bars.

The court further ruled that Mokoena is unfit to possess a firearm and ordered the immediate confiscation of all related permits, licences, and competency certificates.

Hope For Deterrence

Acting Provincial Police Commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi applauded the dedicated work of the investigative team.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: KZN Police Probe Murder Of Presidential Bodyguard Shot In Inanda

He stated that, “Such individuals must be removed from society to protect our communities. We are encouraged by the sentence handed down to this suspect.”

He also expressed hope that the life sentence will serve as a deterrent to others, preventing future crimes of this nature.

---

For SA Crime News Follow SurgeZirc SA on Facebook,  X and Instagram