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Justice for Evaton: Serial Rapist Sentenced to Life Behind Bars
A predator locked away for good
In a decision many in Evaton and beyond will read with quiet relief, 33-year-old Daniel Nchawe Molefe has been sentenced to four life terms in prison, plus an extra 25 years, for a series of brutal rapes, kidnappings, and assaults committed between 2019 and 2023. The verdict by the Pretoria High Court in Palm Ridge marks the end of a dark chapter for four women whose lives were shattered by his crimes.
Molefe was convicted of raping women aged 20, 30, 32, and 34. The charges also included robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, and two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The long trail of terror
The harrowing incidents began in October 2019 when a 30-year-old woman was attacked: dragged from a vehicle, assaulted, and raped. Similar attacks followed in June 2022, August 2022, and February 2023, each involving chilling patterns of violence: victims threatened, dragged to isolated spots, and subjected to rape.
Despite pleas of innocence, Molefe was finally arrested in October 2024, after a police investigation connected him to the string of offences. During the trial, testimony from all four victims, alongside other evidence, secured a guilty verdict. The prosecutor described the case as overwhelming.
Pain that lingers long after freedom is taken
Impact statements from the women gave the court a glimpse of the lasting scars, crippling trauma, restless nights, and a deep distrust of men. According to the prosecution, what stood out was Molefe’s utter lack of remorse and the profound emotional and psychological harm he inflicted.
The court rejected his plea for reduced sentencing; his claim to be a first-time offender and time spent in custody offered no compelling reason to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences. Justice, in this case, was unwavering.
What this means for South Africa’s GBV fight
Local gender-based violence activists have often pointed out that sentences like these send a message: in South Africa, saying no means no. The rush to judge right now, during the national “16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children,” adds extra weight to the ruling.
For communities like Evaton, the sentence offers more than closure. It’s a reminder that even though the scars may never fade, the law can still deliver a measure of accountability.
In a country where many survivors remain silent for fear, where aspirations for justice are often crushed, today’s verdict may offer a flicker of hope. The fight continues, but for now, a predator has been caged.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Bhatt & Joshi Associates
