By Staff Reporter
MODIMOLLE- A 34-year-old man, Markus Ndlovu, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of rape and murder, bringing a protracted and disturbing case to a close.
The Modimolle Regional Court delivered the sentence on Thursday, March 27, 2025, marking the culmination of a lengthy legal process.
The horrifying timeline of Ndlovu’s crimes began on Sunday, August 28, 2016. According to court proceedings, Ndlovu approached a 23-year-old woman at a local tavern, subsequently dragging her to an abandoned house.
There, he proceeded to rape her, threatening her with a knife. The victim’s friend arrived and was able to offer assistance, where upon Ndlovu fled the scene.
Years later, on Friday, May 21, 2021, Ndlovu committed another violent crime. He informed his mother, via cell phone, that he had murdered his 35-year-old wife.
His mother then went to the residence, forced entry, and discovered her daughter-in-law’s body, which had suffered multiple stab wounds. She immediately alerted the police, who opened a murder investigation. Ndlovu fled the area.
After an extensive search, Ndlovu was finally apprehended in April 2023. He was arrested regarding the rape, and the murder investigation. He remained in custody, as his bail was successfully opposed.
Adding to the complexity of the case, in 2024, Ndlovu attempted to locate the 23-year-old rape victim.
A previous withdrawal of the rape case, due to the inability to locate the victim, was reversed, and the investigation was reinstated. Warrant Officer Cicka Kruger of the Modimolle Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit was assigned to the case.
Warrant officer Cicka Kruger’s skill in this case proved vital. Through meticulous investigative work, she ensured the accused remained in custody by opposing bail. During the trial the work from Warrant Officer Kruger proved to be the bedrock of the prosecution.
The court delivered the following sentence:
- Murder: 15 years imprisonment.
- Rape: 10 years imprisonment.
- GBV (Criminal Procedure Amendment Act 51(2)): 5 years imprisonment.
The judge ordered that the murder and rape sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective 20-year prison sentence.
This sentencing has brought some closure to the victims families, and stands as a testament to the hard work of the South African Police Service, and the justice system.
