Facebook Serial Rapist Sentenced To 99 Years In Jail

***Facebook serial rapist Ronny Maluleke has been sentenced to 99 years imprisonment for multiple counts of rape, counts of robbery aggravating circumstances, and housebreaking with intent to rape.***

The Polokwane High Court in Limpopo has on Tuesday sentenced Facebook serial rapist Ronny Maluleke to 99 years imprisonment for multiple counts of rape, counts of robbery aggravating circumstances, and housebreaking with intent to rape.

According to Provincial Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, in May 2015, the accused, Ronny, intruded in one of his victim’s places of residence and found the victim with her younger sister. He threatened them with a firearm, raped the victim in front of the sister, and robbed her of cellphones and money before fleeing the scene.

In a separate case in September 2016, the accused met another victim with a baby walking on the street to her sister’s place.

The accused stopped her and asked if she knew someone. The accused then grabbed the child and walked to the bushes. The victim followed him, and he raped her.

“Between June 2020 and October 2021, Ronny continued to prey on victims using Facebook, primarily targeting women aged 17 and 46. He would make up a fake profile and promise women employment. He would schedule interviews for them and rape them in the room. He used the same modus operandi to lure all of his Facebook victims. All incidents were reported to the police, and investigations were activated,” Mashaba said.

SAPS Provincial Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) investigating officer Sergeant Mokgadi Matjeka opposed bail and the accused, Ronny Maluleke, was remanded in custody until he was found guilty.

The accused was arrested in November 2021, at Lenyenye Village, and the investigating officer Sergeant Mokgadi Matjeka of the Provincial Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) opposed bail and the accused was remanded in custody until he was found guilty.

On Tuesday, 5 November 2024, Ronny Maluleke was found guilty and sentenced to 99 years imprisonment on 19 counts of rape: 95 years 12 counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances: 58 years. 58 years will run concurrently with 95 years of rape. 2 counts of housebreaking with the intent to rape: 4 years. Housebreaking counts will run concurrently with rape counts.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the sentence handed down to the serial rapist. “This sentence will serve as a deterrent to would be rapists to resist the temptation of engaging in such disgraceful and shameful acts,” said Lieutenant General, Thembi Hadebe.