By Staff Reporter
POLOKWANE – The Polokwane High Court has delivered justice for multiple victims of sexual violence by sentencing serial rapist, Sipho Justice Machete (41), a South African citizen, to an effective 25 years imprisonment on 19 August 2025.
Machete was convicted on multiple counts spanning a 14-year period of terror from 2005 to 2019, including nine counts of rape, multiple counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
Between 2005 and 2019, the accused systematically targeted vulnerable women and children across the Tzaneen, Modjadjiskloof, and Bolebedu policing areas in the Mopani District.
His victims, ranging in age from 14 to 58 years, were ambushed at various locations.
The accused employed a calculated method of operation, concealing himself in nearby bushes along pathways frequented by women and ambushing unsuspecting victims during night time and early morning hours.
He was armed with dangerous weapons including knives and stones, threatening and assaulting victims who resisted, sexually assaulting victims before robbing them off their belongings
The breakthrough in this long-running investigation came in February 2024 when the accused was traced to Midrand, Gauteng Province.
Advanced DNA analysis conclusively linked Machete to the multiple crime scenes, bringing an end to his 14-year reign of terror.
The comprehensive investigation was conducted by Sergeant Mokgadi Matjeka of the Provincial Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences, Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations ( SECI) Unit who meticulously built the case and successfully opposed bail.
The Polokwane High Court heard extensive evidence of Justice’s systematic pattern of sexual violence and robbery.
The court’s decision to impose a 25-year effective sentence reflects the severity and impact of these crimes on the victims and the broader community.
The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the SECI UNIT, particularly the investigating officer for the excellent work.
