The Boschfontein Regional Court sentenced Calvin Nhlanhla Shabangu (36) to 12 years behind bars for repeatedly raping a 19-year-old girl in Driekoppies on June 19.

According to the Mpumalanga’s police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the court heard that the victim was visiting a friend in August 2021 at their parental home in Driekoppies when the incident occurred.

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“After the friend’s departure, Shabangu took advantage of the situation. He violently assaulted the victim, destroying her mobile phone and forced her into his bedroom where he repeatedly raped her. Following the assault, the victim bravely, but severely distressed, fled the scene to a nearby house for assistance,” Ndubane said. The victim reported this traumatic experience to her family the next day.

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The girl opened a case at the Schoemansdal Police Station, with a medical examination confirming the rape. The case was assigned to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Tonga. Members of the Schoemansdal’s Visible Policing Unit tracked and arrested Shabangu on the same day.
“The SAPS remains committed to supporting victims of sexual assault and report it to the authorities. I urge victims not to withdraw charges after they were violated,” Ndubane said.