David Randitsheni

Case record

David Randitsheni (born 1964/5) was a South African rapist and serial killer.

Timeline

• 2004 to 2008 — Randitsheni committed murders, rapes, and kidnappings around the town of Modimolle in the Limpopo province.
• 16 May 2008 — Randitsheni was arrested after an intensive police investigation in which over 550 DNA samples were tested; a police forensic expert identified the suspect.
• August 2009 — Randitsheni was sentenced to 16 life sentences and 220 years in prison in the Modimolle Circuit Court, and the judge stipulated that he could not be considered for parole before serving at least 35 years.
• 30 August 2009 — Randitsheni was found hanging in his prison cell from an apparent suicide.
• 31 August 2009 — Limpopo police said an inquest docket was opened and that Randitsheni was found hanging by a sheet from a window frame in the Thohoyandou prison on Sunday.
• 18 August 2009 — Randitsheni was sentenced to multiple life terms by the Modimolle Circuit Court, with the sentencing described as 16 life sentences plus 220 years imprisonment.
• Monday (after 30 August 2009) — Limpopo police said he had committed suicide, and Captain Mashudu Malelo said Randitsheni was found hanging by a sheet from a window frame in the Thohoyandou prison.

The offence

Randitsheni was convicted on 10 counts of murder, 17 counts of rape, 18 counts of kidnapping, and one count of indecent assault.

Only one of his victims was an adult (a woman); the rest were all children. All 19 victims were kidnapped and raped, and 10 were murdered in a crime spree that devastated the community of Modimolle. The crimes were committed in a four-year period from 2004 to 2008 around the town of Modimolle in the Limpopo province.

Investigation

Randitsheni was arrested on 16 May 2008 after an intensive police investigation. During the investigation, over 550 DNA samples were tested before a police forensic expert identified the suspect.

Arrest

On 16 May 2008, Randitsheni was arrested following the intensive police investigation and DNA testing described as involving over 550 DNA samples.

Trial

Randitsheni was convicted on 10 counts of murder, 17 counts of rape, one count of indecent assault, and 18 counts of kidnapping.

Director Sally de Beer said:

"David Randitsheni was sentenced to 16 life sentences plus 220 years imprisonment for a series of murders, rapes and kidnappings he committed between 2004 and 2008,"

De Beer also said:

"There was only one count of rape for an adult female,"

De Beer further said:

"All 19 victims were kidnapped and raped and 10 were murdered in a crime spree which devastated the community of Modimolle,"

Sentencing

Randitsheni was sentenced to 16 life sentences and 220 years in prison. Judge Roger Claassen stipulated that Randitsheni could not be considered for parole for the next 35 years; by that time he would be 80 years old.

Claassen said the crimes were committed in a horrific manner, and that as Randitsheni made admissions but chose to remain silent, he showed that he had no reasons to prove his innocence. Claassen said the State had proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Randitsheni committed the offences.

Outcome

Randitsheni was found hanging in his prison cell from an apparent suicide shortly after commencing his sentence.

Captain Mashudu Malelo said:

"Randitsheni was found hanging by a sheet from a window frame in the Thohoyandou prison on Sunday."

Malelo also said:

"Limpopo police on Monday." "An inquest docket was opened." "Recently convicted Modimolle serial killer David Randitsheni, 45, has committed suicide, said Limpopo police on Monday."

Aftermath

An inquest docket was opened after Randitsheni was found hanging by a sheet from a window frame in the Thohoyandou prison.