A 45-year-old man, Thapelo Malatji, known as the Dobsonville serial rapist, was convicted and sentenced to a double life term in August 2024 for a string of rape cases that terrorised the Dobsonville community since 2011[1]. Malatji’s violent crime spree included robbing victims at gunpoint, kidnapping, and then repeatedly raping them in secluded locations. He also assaulted his victims and stole valuable items such as laptops, cash, cellphones, and bank cards. Malatji was eventually apprehended in the North West province on unrelated theft charges, where further investigation linked him to several cases in Soweto. He was also given additional sentences totaling 60 years for aggravated robbery and kidnapping. According to authorities, incarcerating Malatji was deemed essential for community safety, and the case has been cited as an example of the justice system’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence[1].
In a notable separate incident in July 2020, a 61-year-old grandmother and her 21-year-old granddaughter were attacked during a house robbery in Dobsonville, Soweto. Both women were raped, and sadly, the grandmother succumbed to injuries sustained during the assault[3]. The attack drew shock and condemnation from the Commission for Gender Equality, who called on law enforcement to intensify efforts in combating gender-based violence and ensuring justice for victims[3]. Police subsequently arrested two suspects in connection with the case—one of whom was apprehended in Mpumalanga, while another had been killed in a separate incident. A third suspect, allegedly involved, was also taken into custody following a community-assisted intervention[4]. Police investigations included charges of murder and rape, reflecting concerns about the rise in violent crimes against women and the elderly in the area[5][7].
References
- [1] Reign of terror comes to an end as Dobsonville serial rapist receives double life sentence | IOL
- [3] Gender Equality shocked at rape of grandmother and her granddaughter in Dobsonville | South African Government
- [4] Two suspects arrested for Dobsonville murder, rape | Jacaranda FM
- [5] Police hunt for suspects behind rape, murder of elderly Soweto woman | POWER 98.7
- [7] Dobsonville residents demand arrests after rape of grandmother and granddaughter | The Citizen
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