Pretoria High Court Hands Down 4 Life Sentences to Evaton Serial Offender

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An Evaton man has been sentenced to four life terms and 25 years’ direct imprisonment for a series of violent crimes by the Pretoria High Court sitting in Palm Ridge, Ekurhuleni.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) these crimes were committed between 2019 and 2023. Daniel Nchawe Molefe, 33, received four life terms for the rape of four women aged 20, 30, 32 and 34.

He was further sentenced to 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, along with 4 years’ imprisonment for each of two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and an additional 2 years for kidnapping.

The court decreed that the first count of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and the kidnapping count would be served concurrently with the first life sentence.

The second count of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm will align with the second life sentence, while the robbery sentence will run concurrently with the third life sentence.

On 27 October 2019, a 30-year-old complainant was targeted by Molefe after leaving a tavern with friends. He forcibly dragged her from a vehicle, assaulted, and raped her in a nearby bush before fleeing.

The complainant reported the incident to the police after seeking support from her sister. On 07 August 2022, Molefe, armed with a gun and a knife, attacked a 34-year-old complainant at her home, raping her in a bathroom before she reported the crime.

On 11 June 2022, he and an accomplice assaulted a 20-year-old complainant while threatening her aunt, then raped her in a nearby veld. She also reported the incident to the police.

The following year, 12 February 2023, a 32-year-old woman was attacked at her home in Evaton by Molefe and an accomplice, who threatened her with a panga and demanded her phone and bank cards.

The assailants subsequently took her to a nearby church where they raped her before fleeing the scene. The victim later went to a friend’s house and reported the incident to the police.

Following an investigation, Molefe was arrested on 1 October 2024 at his residence.

The victims received medical, and legal support at the Kopanong Thuthuzela Care Centre, facilitated by law enforcement and prosecutors.

Pleaded not guilty in Court

Lumka Mahanjana, the NPA Regional Spokesperson, reported that Molefe pleaded not guilty in court, denying all allegations against him. However, State Prosecutor Mokautu Masilo presented convincing evidence and testimonies from the victims, establishing his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

“During the sentencing phase, Molefe, represented by legal counsel, requested the court to consider leniency in light of his status as a first-time offender, his employment at the time of arrest, and the 13 months he had already spent in custody.

“In opposition to the request, Adv Masilo emphasized the serious nature and widespread occurrence of the offences committed by Molefe. He pointed out Molefe’s lack of remorse and the significant emotional and psychological harm suffered by the victims.

“These victims, who provided Victim Impact Statements through Court Preparation Officer Lebohang Lebese, shared their ongoing trauma, which includes issues such as insomnia and difficulty in relating to men,” she explained.

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The court supported the State’s position on the severity and prevalence of Molefe’s crimes, asserting that a strong punishment was warranted. The judge underscored the importance of sending a clear message regarding the consequences of rape, particularly against women and children.

He emphasized that consent must be respected, stating, “when a woman says no to sexual intercourse, it means no, and it is not an invitation for them to force themselves on her.”

The court determined that there were no significant reasons to depart from the established minimum sentences.