'Filthiest perpetrator': Judge berates rapist Musa Chabalala who assaulted 91-year-old gogo

The High Court in Thohoyandou, sitting at the Waterval Magistrate’s Court, has sentenced 34-year-old Musa Walter Chabalala of Tshisaulu village to multiple terms of direct imprisonment, including life imprisonment for rape.

Chabalala was also handed 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, and five years for housebreaking with intent to commit an offence.

“The sentencing follows the court’s finding that Chabalala was guilty of a heinous attack on a 91-year-old woman in her home on 21 August 2020 in Tshisaulu village,” according to Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, Limpopo regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

The court heard how Chabalala forcefully gained entry into the nonagenarian’s home by opening a window and breaking the door to her bedroom. 

Armed with a knife, Chabalala threatened the elderly woman, instructed her to hide under a blanket, and demanded money.

Chabalala managed to steal approximately R40 and a sound system, then forced the victim to undress and he raped her multiple times before fleeing the scene.

 The traumatised woman immediately reported the incident. 

A thorough police investigation, led by Sergeant Madzivhandila, later linked Chabalala through forensic evidence.

Despite pleading not guilty, the State, represented by advocate Steven Muavha, presented compelling evidence that proved Chabalala's guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

In aggravation of sentence, the prosecution told the court that the scourge of rape has reached “pandemic levels” in the Vhembe district. 

The prosecution demanded that harsher sentences are necessary to protect vulnerable citizens, especially the elderly. 

It was further highlighted that Chabalala is a repeat offender, and had been undeterred by his previous convictions.

In delivering judgment, Judge Thogomelani Caution Tshidada described Chabalala as “one of the filthiest perpetrators who does not deserve to live in our communities”.

The judge lamented that the victim was old enough to be Chabalala’s grandmother and should have been treated with dignity and respect. 

The court also highlighted Chabalala’s lack of remorse and found no mitigating factors to justify leniency.

Meanwhile, the NPA has welcomed the sentencing heaped on Chabalala, adding that the jail terms will serve as a strong deterrent to would-be offenders. 

Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, advocate Ivy Thenga, has commended the prosecution and investigation teams for their diligence and commitment to justice. 

“This sentence reinforces our resolve to protect the most vulnerable in our society and ensure that justice prevails,” said Thenga.

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jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

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