Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba welcomes life sentence for rape of 101-year-old

We are very pleased to share some important news from the Office of the Premier, Limpopo Province. Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba has warmly welcomed the recent life imprisonment sentence given to Mahlangu Johannes Abram for the horrific rape of a 101-year-old woman in Zaaiplas. This significant verdict is seen as a major breakthrough in our ongoing fight against serious crimes, especially those affecting the most vulnerable people in our communities. The Premier believes this ruling sends a clear message about our dedication to justice and protecting everyone.

Key details of the statement

• Date of statement: 03 October 2025.
• Place of incident: The crime took place in Zaaiplas.
• People involved:
  • Dr. Phophi Ramathuba: The Premier of Limpopo Province, who issued this statement.
  • Mahlangu Johannes Abram: The individual who received a life imprisonment sentence for the rape.
  • Constable Victoria Phala: A dedicated officer from the South African Police Service (SAPS), commended for her tireless work in bringing the perpetrator to justice.
  • The 101-year-old victim, whose privacy is respected by not disclosing her name.
• Organisations involved:
  • The South African Police Service (SAPS), responsible for the investigation.
  • The Limpopo Provincial Government, through the Office of the Premier, championing the cause of justice and protection for its residents.
• Main event: The sentencing of Mahlangu Johannes Abram to life imprisonment for the rape of a 101-year-old woman.

A firm stand for justice and protection

Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba has wholeheartedly praised the hard work of the South African Police Service (SAPS), especially Constable Victoria Phala. It was her diligent and tireless efforts that were crucial in ensuring Mahlangu Johannes Abram, the man responsible for the terrible crime against a 101-year-old woman in Zaaiplas, was brought to justice and received a life imprisonment sentence.

The Premier emphasised that while this sentence can never truly undo the immense pain suffered by the victim, it provides a sense of closure. More importantly, it reinforces our government’s strong commitment to protecting all our residents, especially those who are most vulnerable, like our elderly. This outcome is a significant victory in our ongoing battle against heinous crimes and sends a clear message that such acts will not be tolerated.

Our Limpopo government has made a firm pledge to stand in unity with all victims and to uphold the fundamental values of care and respect for everyone. The Premier highlighted that this particular sentence comes at a very fitting time, as October is a month dedicated to celebrating older persons. This serves as a powerful reminder of our duty to safeguard their dignity and well-being.

Back in August 2025, on the victim’s birthday, Premier Dr. Ramathuba personally visited her to offer reassurance that our government remains deeply committed to the safety and overall well-being of all our residents. This tragic case truly underscores the urgent need for government and communities to tackle crimes against vulnerable individuals with unwavering determination.

Following this significant sentencing, Premier Dr. Ramathuba has urged the SAPS to continue their excellent work in making our communities safer. She has also called upon the judiciary to consistently uphold the rule of law by handing down fitting sentences for such serious and unforgivable offences, ensuring justice is served every single time.

Benefits to the community and how you can participate

This sentence brings several important benefits to our communities. Firstly, it offers a sense of justice and closure for the victim and her family, showing that crimes against our elderly and vulnerable are taken seriously. It also acts as a strong deterrent, warning potential offenders that such actions will result in severe consequences. This strengthens our community’s trust in the justice system and reinforces the idea that everyone, especially the most vulnerable, deserves protection and respect. The unwavering commitment shown by the Limpopo government and the SAPS in this case demonstrates our province’s dedication to creating safer environments for all residents.

Community participation is vital in our efforts to combat crime and support vulnerable individuals. Here’s how you can help:

• Report suspicious activities: If you see something that looks wrong or suspect a crime, please report it to the SAPS immediately. Your vigilance can prevent harm.
• Look out for your elders: Take an active role in checking on elderly neighbours and family members. Offer support and ensure they are safe and cared for.
• Support community safety initiatives: Get involved in local community policing forums or neighbourhood watch groups. These initiatives play a crucial role in safeguarding our areas.
• Educate and raise awareness: Talk to your family and friends about the importance of protecting vulnerable people and the need to report any abuse or neglect.
• Cooperate with law enforcement: If you have information that could help the SAPS in an investigation, please come forward. Your cooperation is invaluable.

Together, we can build stronger, safer, and more caring communities where everyone, regardless of age, feels secure and respected. For more updates from the Premier’s Office, please visit our news section: Premier’s Office News.

Questions and answers for the public

1. What is this media statement about?
   This statement is about Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba welcoming the life imprisonment sentence for a man who raped a 101-year-old woman in Limpopo.
2. Who issued this statement?
   The statement was issued by the Office of the Premier, Limpopo Province.
3. What was the specific crime mentioned?
   The crime was the rape of a 101-year-old woman.
4. Who was the victim in this case?
   The victim was a 101-year-old woman; her name has not been released to protect her privacy.
5. Who was the person sentenced for this crime?
   The perpetrator was Mahlangu Johannes Abram.
6. What was the sentence given?
   Mahlangu Johannes Abram received a life imprisonment sentence.
7. Why is this sentence considered so important by the Premier?
   The Premier sees it as a significant breakthrough in fighting serious crimes, particularly those targeting vulnerable people, and it reinforces the government’s commitment to protecting those at risk.
8. Who is Constable Victoria Phala and what was her role?
   Constable Victoria Phala is an officer with the South African Police Service (SAPS) who was commended by the Premier for her diligent and tireless work in ensuring the perpetrator was brought to justice.
9. What is the Limpopo government’s pledge regarding victims and older persons?
   The Limpopo government pledges to stand in solidarity with victims, uphold values of care and respect, and commits to the safety and well-being of all residents, especially the elderly.
10. How does this sentence relate to the month of October?
    The Premier mentioned that the sentence comes at the right time, as October is celebrated as the month for older persons, highlighting the importance of protecting them.
11. How can the community participate in safeguarding vulnerable people?
    Community members can help by reporting suspicious activities to SAPS, looking out for elderly neighbours, joining community safety initiatives, and raising awareness about protecting vulnerable individuals.
12. What does Premier Ramathuba want the police and judiciary to do going forward?
    She has called upon the SAPS to continue their exemplary work in safeguarding communities and urged the judiciary to uphold the rule of law by delivering appropriate sentences for serious offenses.
13. When did the Premier visit the victim?
    The Premier visited the victim on her birthday in August 2025.
14. Where did the crime take place?
    The crime took place in Zaaiplas.