Thabazimbi Rapist Jailed for 15 Years 

Thabazimbi – Thanks to the exceptional work of warrant officer Derick Masonto from the Thabazimbi Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, a 35-year-old man who raped his cousin in 2022 has been brought to justice. The Thabazimbi Regional Court handed down a sentence of 15 years direct imprisonment on Tuesday, 21 May 2025. The rapist, who had entered the victim’s Regorogile Extension 3 home during the early hours of 17 December 2022, sexually assaulted her while her two-year-old child slept beside her.

Warrant officer Masonto’s swift investigation led to the suspect’s arrest just four days after the incident. The officer’s successful opposition to bail ensured the accused remained behind bars during the lengthy trial. The court also ruled that the offender’s name be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Lieutenant general Thembi Hadebe, Limpopo provincial commissioner, praised the dedicated detective and the prosecution team.