Two men of Elukwatini near Badplaas, who attempted to rape a then 14-year-old girl in 2011, were sentenced to 15- and five years’ imprisonment, respectively.
Vusi Isaac Mhlongo (32) was given a 15-year sentence while Mthobisi Given Hleza (21), who was still a minor when the offence was committed, received five years. They were both sentenced in the Carolina Regional Court last Wednesday after a lengthy trial.
Apart from the attempted rape, Mhlongo and Hleza were also found guilty on charges of housebreaking and robbery.
According to Elukwatini police spokesman, Const Peace Mbokane, Mhlongo and Hleza broke into the apartment of the victim on February 22, 2011.
After gaining entry, they demanded cash from the victim, who told them that she only had R30 on her.
“After they took the money, they complained that it was too little and demanded more. She maintained that it was all she had and that was when the men resorted to raping her instead. The victim fought tooth and nail, and, after the unsuccessful attempt, they gagged her with socks,” said Mbokane.
Although the victim recognised her attackers she pretended not to know them.
“The girl managed to break free and fled to her neighbours’ house. She sustained wounds to her hands while fending off a knife used by the accused.
“While the victim was at her neighbours, the men looted her house,” added Mbokane.
A case was opened and the suspects were arrested a few days later. The pair first appeared in the Eerstehoek Magistrate’s Court on February 24, 2011.
Det Const Ncobile Sambo was the investigating officer in the case and has been praised by the station commander of Elukwatini SAPS, Col Precious Mabuza, for handling the case with the highest degree of professionalism and ethics.
“The systematic search for the truth is not for the faint-hearted and this member has displayed courage in her work. I hope other colleagues will be inspired by this heroine and draw encouragement from her actions,” she said.
