Pinetown officer rewarded for cracking rape case
The two rapists were both given life sentences.
DET/W/O Wiseman Hlela, who is based at the Pinetown Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, was awarded with a certificate of appreciation by Legal Hero Company last week.
Pinetown SAPS communications officer, Lt Bomgumusa Manqele, said on 19 April last year, an 18-year-old victim was walking with her boyfriend at approximately 1.30am in Inchanga when they were accosted by three men, who ordered the boyfriend to sit and watch while they gang raped the victim.
“The victim was raped seven times. A case of rape was opened at the Inchanga police station for further investigation and two of the men were arrested.”
Manqele said the victim’s cellphone was also stolen by one of the men.
A docket was then transferred to the Pinetown Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit and Det/W/O Hlela was assigned to continue with the investigation.
“Two men appeared in court and were denied bail. They made several appearances in court and they were finally convicted and sentenced on Friday, 30 October,” he added.
Sanele Ngcobo was sentenced to five life sentences and 12 months for theft. Sicebi Ndlovu was sentenced to seven life sentences.
An application for leave to appeal was refused. Diligent work by the investigating officer is commended.
