Career criminal and serial rapist sentenced to more than 200 years in jail

A career criminal and serial rapist has been sentenced to more than 200 years’ imprisonment, of which 38 years will effectively be served.

The Free State High Court, sitting in Welkom on Monday (5 August), sentenced 45-year-old Bongane Richard Mazibuko, who also uses the surname Dlangezwa. He was found guilty on multiple charges, including robbery and rape.

Mazibuko’s criminal career, which started in 2011, came to an end after a thorough investigation by Const. Mosiuwa Ntholeng of the Provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations unit.

“He was initially arrested in 2019 for a house robbery. A background check by Constable Ntholeng revealed he was wanted for other crimes, including housebreaking, aggravated robbery, and rape,” says Sgt Mahlomola Kareli, Free State Provincial Corporate Communication.

He says Ntholeng secured a DNA sample from Mazibuko, which linked him to 12 different cases across the Free State, in Welkom, Thabong, Bultfontein, Bothaville, Odendaalsrus, and Virginia. The investigation revealed that Mazibuko’s first recorded crime was in January 2011, when he broke into a home, raped a 12-year-old girl, and stole valuables. His criminal behaviour escalated over time, and he began working with accomplices to commit robberies. In some of these incidents, Mazibuko would also rape the female victims.

“Working closely with Advocate Pogisho Mabale of the National Prosecuting Authority, Ntholeng compiled a strong case against the accused.”

Mazibuko pleaded guilty to all of the charges, which included housebreaking with intent to rob and aggravated robbery, rape, housebreaking with intent to steal, and theft.

“Whilst the total sentences for all 17 charges amounted to 203 years, the court ordered that most sentences would run concurrently with the 38-year sentence for rape, resulting in an effective 38-year prison term,” says Kareli.