Brutal Attack on Schoolgirls: Thabo Gift Magwatane Sentenced to Life and 45 Years in Prison

Thabo Gift Magwatane, 33, was sentenced to two life terms and an additional 45 years in prison for a string of serious offenses, including rape, kidnapping, attempted murder, and housebreaking. The brutal attack occurred in February 2022 in Dithakong village, where two 17- and 18-year-old matric learners were targeted in their residence. Magwatane and three accomplices subjected the girls to a night of terror, including forced stripping, blindfolding, and repeated rape. The girls were later stabbed multiple times and left for dead in the veld.

Key Takeaways:

• Thabo Gift Magwatane, 33, was sentenced to two life terms and 45 years in prison for rape, kidnapping, attempted murder, and housebreaking.
• The attack occurred in February 2022 in Dithakong village, targeting two 17- and 18-year-old matric learners.
• Magwatane and three accomplices forced their way into the house, cut the power, and demanded money and phones before escalating the attack to rape and stabbing.
• The two survivors were left for almost half an hour in the veld before finding assistance and were later admitted to the ICU for reconstructive surgery.
• Magwatane evaded capture for nearly two years before being arrested in Rustenburg in early 2024.
• A second suspect, Obakeng Mosesane, 25, remains in custody, with his trial scheduled for July 2, 2025.
• The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) praised the courage and determination of the two young women throughout the trial process.

Statistics:

• 2 life terms and 45 years in prison: Thabo Gift Magwatane's sentence for rape, kidnapping, attempted murder, and housebreaking.
• 2: number of 17- and 18-year-old matric learners targeted in the attack.
• 3: number of accomplices involved in the attack with Magwatane.
• 2 years: duration Magwatane evaded capture before being arrested in Rustenburg in 2024.
• 3 weeks: duration the two survivors spent in the ICU undergoing reconstructive surgery.
• 45 years: additional prison time for Magwatane.

Sources:

• Senokoatsane, M. (newspaper article, date not specified in source): "Man gets 2 life terms for brutal attack on schoolgirls in Northern Cape".
• National Prosecuting Authority (spokesperson name not specified): reported by Senokoatsane.