Lerato Rapeu (22) has been sentenced to a combined 25 years’ imprisonment for murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances following a brutal killing in Mpumalanga. The sentencing relates to the murder of 64-year-old Grace Sebothoma, who was attacked and killed during a house robbery in the Loding area of Vaalbank in September 2023.

The crime occurred on 7 September 2023 when police officers responded to a house robbery and murder report in Loding, Vaalbank. Upon arrival, officers discovered the lifeless body of Ms Sebothoma inside her home. She had sustained multiple stab wounds.

A murder case was immediately opened, and a thorough investigation by detectives led to the arrest of Rapeu. The matter was later brought before the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, sitting in Middelburg.

The State presented a strong case, resulting in Rapeu’s conviction and sentencing on Friday, 20 February 2026. The court handed down the following sentences:

• 15 years’ imprisonment for murder

• 10 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances

She was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

In a related development, a co-accused, Kgomotso Lisbeth Ledwaba (16), previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced by the same court on 12 August 2024.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the investigation team, the prosecution and the judiciary for their work in securing the conviction. He said the sentence should serve as a deterrent, warning that “anyone who commits crime will face the consequences”.