A Limpopo man Elvis Tshedi Selemela ( 35) of Sekgakgapeng was sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of a sex worker by Mokopane Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday 24 June 2026.
Limpopo National Prosecuting Authority Spokesperson Mashudu Malawi-Dzangi said the court heard that on 26 May 2023, the victim, who worked as a hooker in the Mokopane area, was at the Mokopane Post Office checking on a friend when Selemela and another man, who remains unknown to the State, approached her and requested her services.
The prostitute invited them to her rented accommodation. However, along the way, the would-be “Johns” diverted to another location, where they dragged her, stabbed her with a knife and assaulted her with their fists before taking turns raping her.
After the attack, the men left the victim severely injured, bleeding and unconscious in the bushes.
The victim later regained consciousness and crawled to the main road, where she was assisted and taken to hospital. The matter was subsequently reported to the police.
Although the case was initially withdrawn pending DNA results, Selemela was rearrested after forensic evidence linked him to the crime.
Selemela pleaded not guilty to the charge.
During sentencing proceedings, State Prosecutor Mokhobedi Desiree Tlhoaela submitted a Victim Impact Statement compiled by Court Preparation Officer Lebo Ignitius Maela, detailing the profound psychological and physical harm suffered by the victim.
The State argued that rape remains a serious and prevalent offence in the court’s jurisdiction and highlighted the accused’s lack of remorse, noting that he continued to deny responsibility throughout the trial.
Prosecutors also stressed that despite being a woman of the night, the victim’s constitutional rights to dignity and protection remain fundamental and must be upheld.
The State further submitted that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence.
Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions Adv. Ivy Thenga said the sentence would serve as a deterrent to perpetrators of gender-based violence and commended the prosecution team and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction.
