Serial R@pist Sentenced To Two Life Terms And 44 Years For R@ping And Killing Minors In South Africa
The High Court of South Africa, Northern Cape Division in Kimberley, has sentenced Itumeleng Reclin Machabe, also known as Bendow (27), to two life terms plus an additional 44 years in prison. The sentence follows his conviction on multiple charges, including the r*pe and murder of 11-year-old Relebogile Segami, the r*pe of two other minors, and the distribution of p*rnographic images of young people.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reported on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, that Machabe faced a total of 19 charges, including r*pe, fraud, contravention of child p*rnography laws, crimen injuria, attempted extortion, and attempted murder. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Relebogile Segami was reported missing on March 30, 2022, prompting a search by police and the Galeshewe community. Her body was discovered near the Northern Cape Legislature in Kimberley on March 31, 2022. Investigations revealed that Machabe was the last person seen with the victim. He was arrested on April 4, 2022.
During bail proceedings, it was revealed that Machabe was already out on bail for a separate r*pe case involving a 15-year-old. The prosecution successfully opposed his bail application, citing the severity of the charges.
Further investigation uncovered additional victims, revealing that Machabe’s crimes dated back to 2013. One victim, emboldened by his arrest in 2022, came forward to testify against him.
State Advocate Elmari Kruger argued that Machabe intentionally targeted vulnerable minors, showing no remorse for his heinous actions. The court heard how Machabe lured victims, used social media to share compromising photos after soliciting nude images, and repeatedly r*ped one victim, intimidating her with threats of violence.
Although limited physical evidence was available, the state relied on circumstantial evidence, highlighting inconsistencies in Machabe’s account.
The prosecution emphasized the high rates of violent crime in South Africa, particularly against vulnerable groups, and argued against deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
The court found Machabe guilty on all counts except attempted murder, sentencing him to two life terms and an additional 44 years. He was also ordered to be registered in the National Register of Sex Offenders and declared unfit to possess a firearm. The sentencing occurred on what would have been Relebogile Segami’s 14th birthday.
