21-Year-Old Child Rapist and Murderer Jailed for Two Life Terms After Police Hunt Leads to Discovery of Seven-Year-Old Nomvelo Rossow’s Body

Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise has welcomed the sentencing of 21-year-old Sifiso George Sibiloane, who was handed two life terms by the Mpumalanga High Court sitting in Breyten on Thursday, 13 August 2026, after being convicted of murdering and raping seven-year-old Nomvelo Rossow.

The incident occurred in March 2026 in Charl Cilliers after police received a report that Nomvelo was missing.

Various police units were immediately activated to search for the child. During the search, officers encountered a man carrying a suspicious bag and discovered blood-soaked clothing belonging to a young girl inside.

Further investigation led police to a maize field, where the body of the missing child was found. Sibiloane, from Seyferfontein Farm near Charl Cilliers, was subsequently hunted down and arrested before being charged in connection with the murder and rape. Investigators gathered crucial evidence and presented a strong case before court.

The court sentenced Sibiloane to two life terms and declared him unfit to possess a firearm. His name will also be placed on the relevant offenders’ register.

Lieutenant General Modise commended the investigation team and the National Prosecuting Authority for their efforts, saying the sentence sends a strong message to those who target children and that justice had been served for Nomvelo and her family.