The Acting National Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, was full of praise for Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) for the sterling work they did in securing a conviction of a serial rapist and having him sentenced to seventeen (17) life sentences.
Today in the South Gauteng High Court the “Avalon Cemetery Serial Rapist” Jazzman Pondo Rikhotso (31) was sentenced to 17 life imprisonment terms and 164.5 years. These sentences will run concurrently. Rikhotso preyed on females ranging from 11-68 years of age who were visiting grave sites of loved ones in the Avalon Cemetery in Soweto between 2008 and 2010.
Rikhotso was arrested on 7 October 2010 by Detective Constable Thuso Clifford Molefe of FCS Moroka Cluster. Rikhotso's modus operandi was to show concern as a security guard by warning his victims of the danger of the cemetery. He would then lure his victims away and once in an isolated area he would rape them. In some instances the victim’s children were forced to watch their parent being raped. He often threatened them with a firearm or knife.
He was found guilty on all 19 counts of rape, 11 kidnapping, and 6 counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances. He also faced other charges which included assault and unlawful possession of a firearm.
“This outcome is indicative of the hard work by the investigating officer and specialised disciplines of the SAPS whom I am extremely proud of”, said General Mkhwanazi.
“I also welcome this sentence because the combating of crimes against women and children is a priority of the South African Police Service and such a sentence will certainly help deter people from committing such crimes”, added Mkhwanazi
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Police secure 17 life sentences for one accused
