Pretoria – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested 183 suspects for rape in nationwide operations over the past week, as part of its intensified campaign against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
Of these, 67 were wanted individuals tracked down across the country, according to SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk.
The arrests come amid a 90-day government-led blitz programme aimed at curbing the alarming rise in GBVF, with SAPS playing a central role.
The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit has been instrumental in investigating GBVF cases, sexual offences, and cyber-related sexual crimes, ensuring predators face justice.
Recent convictions highlight the FCS unit’s relentless efforts, Van Wyk said.
“On 23 July 2025, the Nquthu Regional Court sentenced Mandlelisa Mabhale (58) to 10 life terms and an additional 70 years in prison after he was found guilty on multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, and exposing children to pornography. The victims, who are all minors, informed investigators that the pastor lured them to his rented room at Ndidini area where he made them watch pornographic material then raped them,” she said.
In Limpopo, the Mahwelereng Regional Court sentenced 33-year-old Kabelo Prince Monethe to life imprisonment on 17 July 2025 for raping a 68-year-old woman in Mapela Ga-Chaba in December 2023. Additionally, on 15 July 2025, the Mankweng Regional Court sentenced 24-year-old Simon Makgoba to life imprisonment and 15 years for the rape and kidnapping of a 19-year-old woman.
“These successes reflect the SAPS’s unwavering commitment to creating a safer and more secure environment for all women, children, and other vulnerable groups in South Africa,” said Van Wyk.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
