A Groblersdal Regional Court has imposed a life sentence on Mthimunye Sipho Rooi, 40, for raping a 10-year-old girl in Blompoort Village, Dennilton policing area. The judgment was delivered on Monday, 25 May 2026. Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner, endorsed the ruling.
Court records indicate the incident took place on 08 May 2026. The young victim was walking to a local tuckshop when Rooi, whom she knew, invited her to his home. There, he offered her chocolate and yoghurt before committing the rape.
The offence was uncovered after the victim’s extra class teacher notified her mother about repeated absences from lessons. While speaking with the teacher, the child revealed that Rooi had repeatedly intercepted her on the road and summoned her to his house. She expressed fear of going, disclosing that he had raped her on a prior occasion.
A rape docket was subsequently opened. Investigators from the Groblersdal Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) located and arrested Rooi at his Blompoort residence on 04 April 2025.
Alongside the life imprisonment term for one count of rape, the court ruled Rooi unfit to possess a firearm.
Lt. Gen. Hadebe extended support to the survivor and her family for their bravery in coming forward and assisting law enforcement. She commended the FCS Unit for their prompt investigation and arrest, reaffirming the South African Police Service’s dedication to safeguarding children and ensuring that those who commit sexual offences and gender-based violence are held accountable under the law.