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Germiston SAPS lands a conviction for kidnapping and rape

"He requested bail, and we opposed it because he was on trial for identical offenses.”

Germiston Magistrate’s Court sentenced 36-year-old David Bongani Mtlomelo to five years in prison for kidnapping and life in prison for rape.

Following a protracted trial, the court convicted Mtlomelo on December 3, with the sentences running concurrently.

Captain Nelda Sekgobela, the district communications officer for Ekurhuleni, said Mtlomelo committed the offences on August 8, 2017.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Steven Vukeya of the Germiston FCS unit proud of the conviction.

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“The victim was leaving a tavern around three in the morning to go home.

“Mtlomelo, then pushed her into a car, and drove to Alberton, where he repeatedly sexually assaulted her,“ said Sekgobela.

“A case was then opened at Alberton SAPS in October 2017 and allocated to Sergeant Bophela at the Germiston Family Violence, Child Protection Service and Sexual Offenses Unit (FCS),”

“On September 30, 2018, Mtlomelo was traced to a local car wash, where the victim identified him to police,” said Sekgobela.

In an interview with Germiston City News, Germiston SAPS communications officer Sergeant Maxwell Mabunda and investigating officer Detective Sergeant Steven Vukeya of the Germiston FCS unit described how the case unfolded, resulting in the conviction.

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Vukeya explained he did not initially investigate the case. He was tasked with concluding it.

“The first thing I did was to learn about the case. Then I realised we had a strong case against the guy. The victim and other witnesses previously testified in court before the matter was turned over to me.

“Mtlomelo previously received bail but absconded his trial. I had to get a warrant of arrest issued against him and circulate his details on the system.

“On January 30, last year, Mtlomelo was re-arrested and jailed after committing another rape. While attending the second case, a lawyer recognised him and notified the police that he was a wanted suspect in another similar case.

“He requested bail, and we opposed it because he was on trial for identical offences. He went to court to conclude his trial, where we subpoenaed the arresting officer from Alberton and the doctor who examined the first victim.

“On December 3, he was found guilty of kidnapping and rape, sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and 5 years for kidnapping.”

Vukeya noted the victim felt relieved after Mtlomelo received his sentence because the impact statement interview revealed she was now living in fear and doubted that he would be sentenced.

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“It is such a relief from the family,“ said Vukeya.

Mabunda noted the second case is still being investigated as part of a Germiston SAPS docket.

Ekurhuleni Deputy District Commissioner Brigadier Lebohang Machakela praised Vukeya for his commitment to the investigation and the apprehension of the perpetrator.

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