A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for the rape and robbery of a woman in Alberton.

The sentence was handed down by the Germiston Regional Court, a decision welcomed by Ekurhuleni Acting District Commissioner Brigadier David Ngcobo.

The incident occurred in March 2024 when the victim was walking home from a local tavern.

She was approached by two men armed with knives, who demanded her cellphone, money and sneakers.

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After robbing her, the men dragged the woman into nearby bushes, where they took turns raping her.

The case was reported to Alberton SAPS and assigned to Detective Sergeant Silas Ledwaba of the Germiston Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.

The suspects were subsequently traced and arrested on charges of rape and robbery. The State successfully opposed bail for both accused. However, one of the suspects died in prison while awaiting trial.

The remaining accused, Abongeni Hlawi, was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment on April 22, 2026.

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Brigadier Ngcobo praised Detective Sergeant Ledwaba for his dedication in investigating the case and also thanked the National Prosecuting Authority for securing the conviction.

He said the sentence sends a strong message that violent crimes against women will not be tolerated in the Ekurhuleni district.