Man sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment
“Det Sgt Godfrey Mashimbye was assigned the docket. He did not give up on the case and patiently as well as adamantly pursued the DNA results which eventually came back positively linking the suspect to the crime."
The Carolina Regional Court sentenced a rapist, who was also found guilty of housebreaking and robbery in 2009, to 30 years’ imprisonment.
Sylvester Adolf Manzini (27) appeared in the Carolina Regional Court last Friday. He faces charges of housebreaking, robbery under aggravating circumstances and rape.
According to Elukwatini spokesman, Const Peace Mbokane, Manzini these crimes were committed on January 27, 2009.
Mbokane said the accused had broken into a house at Nhlazatshe near Badplaas. “He robbed her and eventually raped her. He subjected the victim, a 45-year-old woman, who was only 39 then, to agony and haunting memories. He threatened the victim with an axe, should she scream for help and his plan and swindle seemed to work,” he said.
He added that after the accused had raped the victim and left, she alerted a neighbour who came to her aid. Manzini was found by community members who summoned the police and he was arrested. Blood samples were collected from him as well as the victim.
Manzini in court on several occasions until the case was struck off the roll, pending evidence that could link him to the crimes. “Det Sgt Godfrey Mashimbye was assigned the docket. He did not give up on the case and patiently as well as adamantly pursued the DNA results which eventually came back positively linking the suspect to the crime. He traced the suspect who was in a hideout at Newcastle on May 21, 2013 and brought him back to the court. This finally led to Manzini trading his liberty for the gray walls over a period of three decades,” said Mbokane.
Mashimbye has 14 years’ experience and is described as a remarkable asset in the investigation fraternity as he is no novice to hefty sentences against offenders.
“He has about 10 life sentences in his name and is still gunning for excellence and his arresting hands are ever itching for effective investigation. Manzini is currently serving his sentence at the Witbank prison. The family of the victim welcomed the sentence and appreciated the officer’s brilliant work,” said Mbokane.
Meanwhile, Elukwatini’s station commander, Col Precious Mabuza decorated the detective with appreciation of the brightest of colours. “I am happy about the officer’s unwavering courage and dedication. With this kind of devotion, I know that even the sky is not the limit,” she said.
