The Nelspruit Regional Court convicted and sentenced 34-year-old Samkelo Eugene Maphanga to three terms of life imprisonment for three counts of rape committed on separate occasions.

The offences took place between 2011 and 2018 in areas around Clau-Clau, Mafambisa and Manyeveni. Two of the victims were raped more than once, and one of them was a minor. The first two victims were unknown to the perpetrator and reported the incidents at the Themba Hospital’s Thuthuzela Care Centre, where they received medical examination and psychosocial support.

According to the provincial spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority, Monica Nyuswa, evidence presented in court revealed that the rapist targeted vulnerable victims, lured them to secluded areas and raped them.

The first incident occurred on May 7, 2011 in Clau-Clau, where the victim was approached while walking and lured to a nearby secluded yard. The second incident took place on October 30, 2014 in Manyeveni, where Maphanga assaulted, threatened and raped the victim.

Maphanga’s crimes were uncovered in June 2018 following a third incident that occurred in Mafambisa. He, along with an unknown accomplice, gang-raped the victim who managed to identify Maphanga.

During the court proceedings, he pleaded not guilty and claimed that the sexual acts were consensual, alleging that he was in a romantic relationship with one of the victims.

“State prosecutor, Leanna Jones, presented compelling evidence, including victim testimonies, first reports, and corroborating witnesses. The court rejected Maphanga’s version and found him guilty on all three counts. Jones argued for the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment on each count, highlighting the seriousness of the offences and the ongoing scourge of gender-based violence in the country,” Nyuswa said.

The court ordered to have his name entered into the National Register for sex offenders, declared unfit to possess a firearm, and deemed unsuitable to work with children.

The director of public prosecutions in Mpumalanga, Adv Sonja Ntuli, commended the dedication of the investigating team, the prosecution and the staff at the Thuthuzela Care Centre for their critical role in supporting the victims throughout the process.

“The Thuthuzela Care Centre at Themba Hospital in KaBokweni plays a vital role in assisting victims of sexual offences by providing integrated services, including trauma counselling, medical care, legal support and guidance throughout court proceedings. This holistic approach ensures that victims receive the necessary support to navigate the aftermath of such crimes,” said Ntuli.