SAPS spokesperson Captain Paul Ramaloko on Friday said Moleko [35] committed the crimes in 2013 in the Seweding and Montshiwa areas.
“Moleko, was named ‘Hammer Man’ after he gained notoriety in Mahikeng for hitting his victims, mostly from Seweding and Montshiwa, with a hammer before either robbing or raping them.”
Ramaloko said Moleko targeted women as they walked past a bush in Extension 39 near the Mmabatho shopping complexes.
“He would hit or threaten them with a hammer, before robbing or raping them,” said Ramaloko.
In September this year, Moleko attacked a 15-year-old girl, who was walking with her boyfriend near the bush.
“Her boyfriend ran away leaving her behind. Moleko then forced her into the bushes where he raped and killed her,” Ramaloko said. The young girl’s body was found the following day in the bushes with several wounds on her upper body.
“Moleko’s life sentences involved, the killing of Sasa and for raping her. He also got the third life sentence for raping another woman. In addition, he was sentenced to 15 years for two attempted murders, 45 years jointly for three robbery cases, for each robbery he got 15 years imprisonment.”
Ramaloko said Moleko was slapped with three life sentences and 60 years in prison.
“In handing the sentence, the judge did not order that the sentence run concurrently, meaning, Moleko will have to serve his sentences one after the other.”
Applauding the investigating team, acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Tsumane said: “I’m confident that justice has been served for the affected victims. I’m confident that this sentence will send a message to other criminals like Moleko that, crime does not pay”.