Detectives praised for securing life terms for two child rapists

Sergeants Fikile Zitha and Thabiso Marakalala from the Brakpan SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit have been lauded for securing justice for young rape victims.

Ekurhuleni District commissioner Major General Anna Sithole commended Zitha for her exceptional dedication and commitment.

She stated Zitha not only brought justice to the victim but also fostered hope within the community. Thulani Sibeko (39) recently appeared before the Tsakane Magistrate’s Court, where he was convicted on two counts of rape and one count of kidnapping.

The case involved the rape of a nine-year-old girl. For the first count of rape, Sibeko received a life sentence. He was also sentenced to life imprisonment for the second count of rape and an additional 10 years for the kidnapping charge.

The incident occurred in March 2016 when Sibeko followed the victim, who was walking to Tsakane Mall with a friend.
He then called the victim over and asked her to go buy a cigarette for him.

Upon her return, he gave her a toy and convinced her to come to his home, claiming her mother was waiting for her. Once at his residence, he raped her and subsequently continued to rape her the following day.

After being released, the young girl courageously informed her grandmother about the incident, leading to the registration of a case for rape and kidnapping at the Tsakane Police Station.

This case highlights the distressing issue of child sexual abuse, and it is vital to recognise the remarkable bravery exhibited by the victim and her family in coming forward to report this crime

The second case involved a 48-year-old man, who recently appeared before the Vosloorus Magistrate’s Court where he was convicted on four counts of rape.

The man cannot be named to protect the identity of his daughter, who is the victim in this case. The abuse started in 2020 when the victim, then aged 11, visited her father at his place of residence.

“The victim was sleeping, and the accused got into bed with her and started touching her,” said Brakpan SAPS Sector 1 manager and communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi.

“This happened every time she visited him. In 2023, the accused moved into the house of the victim and her mother, and he continued with his actions.

“The accused demanded that he sleep in the same bed as the victim. The victim disclosed to a neighbour, who informed the victim’s mother. A case of rape was then opened at the Dawn Park Police Station.”

Marakalala was the investigating officer, and ensured a successful conviction. The man faced five counts of rape and was found guilty on four counts.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment on each of the four counts, and the sentences were ordered to run concurrently.

He was found unsuitable to work with children, and declared unfit to possess a firearm. In addition, it was ordered that the man’s name be entered into the register for sexual offenders.

Brakpan SAPS station commander Brigadier Johanna Ngoma commended Marakalala for his dedication and commitment in ensuring that justice is served and for giving the victim hope.

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