Infamous criminal slapped with severe 222-year jail term

A notorious criminal who wreaked havoc in the Nebo and Hlogotlou areas of Sekhukhune District  in Limpopo has been sentenced to an astonishing 222 years in prison.

The Polokwane High Court delivered the verdict on June 9, 2025, after Lesley Morwamashobe Mohlala, 33, was found guilty on 23 counts, including multiple robberies and sexual offenses.

Mohlala’s reign of terror began with his arrest on March 18, 2018, at the Hlogotlou police station for rape.

Bail was denied, keeping him behind bars, but he escaped custody on October 11, 2018, while being transported to Witbank Prison.

This escape occurred in the Learsdrift area, prompting a manhunt that proved fruitless for nearly five years. During this time, Mohlala targeted various public facilities, including government buildings and clinics, instilling fear in the local populace.

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, spokesperson for Limpopo Police, described Mohlala criminal activities as alarming.

He stole firearms and cellphones from security officers and carried out a series of robberies, stripping victims of their belongings and creating a tense atmosphere in affected communities. “His actions disrupted lives and eroded the sense of safety for many,” Ledwaba stated.

Mohlala run from the law ended on April 14, 2023, when he was re-arrested at a hideout in Jane Furse by the Nebo and Jane Furse tracking team.

Following this arrest, he faced charges for eight additional robberies.

DNA evidence subsequently linked him to two more rape cases committed while he was a fugitive. Just two days later, he was sentenced to two years for escaping custody, remaining in jail without bail.

The successful prosecution was attributed to the relentless efforts of Sergeant Kabelo Seele Shokane from the Nebo and Jane Furse tracking team, who worked on all robbery cases, and Sergeant Sekgapinya Alfred Phahlane from the Groblersdal Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit, who handled the rape cases.

“Their dedication ensured that justice was served for victims who had long suffered,” said Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.

She praised the collaborative work of the officers and emphasized that the South African Police Service in Limpopo is committed to tracking down criminals who threaten innocent communities, regardless of the challenges.

Mohlala’s lengthy prison sentence serves as a reminder of the justice system’s commitment to protecting citizens and holding offenders accountable.

The local community can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing a significant threat has been removed.