Kenneth Magagula (35) was convicted and sentenced by the Belfast Regional Court for the rape of a 43-year-old woman.

According to a press release issued by the NPA Regional Spokesperson Monica Nyuswa, the incident took place in the victim’s home in Mthonjeni, Marchadodorp on October 28, 2008.

Magagula entered the victim’s home and found her alone, he then demanded her cellphone. When she resisted he struck her with a stick.

The victim then attempted to flee, but Magagula caught her, dragged her back into the house.
He then raped her and fled with her cellphone.

She then reported the case with SAPS. Police traced the stolen phone to a friend of Magagula.

DNA evidence conclusively linked him to the rape, which led to his arrest in 2023, nearly 15 years after the incident occurred.

According to evidence presented by the state, an eye witness saw Magagula enter the victim’s home on the day in question.

A victim impact statement was presented in court by State Prosecutor Mashinini, detailing the profound psychological trauma and fear inflicted on the victim.

* Magagula was sentenced to life imprisonment on the charge of rape.
* He was further handed a three years sentence for the charge of theft.
* The sentences will run concurrently.
* Magagula will serve a term of life imprisonment.

The court imposed firearm restrictions and ordered his name to be added on the National Register for Sex Offenders.

“ This life sentence affirms our relentless pursuit of GBV perpetrators, ensuring accountability and restoring dignity for victims, not matter how long it takes‚” said Sonja Ntuli, Mpumalanga Director of Public Prosecutions.