An e-hailing cab driver received a hefty sentence after he was found guilty of kidnapping and raping four women who used an e-hailing service app to request transportation from Cosmo City to various destinations.

Emmanuel Mudau (30) was sentenced to two life imprisonment terms, plus 60 years for four counts of rape, four of kidnapping, and two of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in the Gauteng High Court sitting in Johannesburg.

Mudau was registered as an e-hailing driver and between January and February 2022.

The four complainants testified that as soon as they entered Mudau’s vehicle, he refused to take them to their intended destinations instead taking them to secluded areas where he instructed them to undress and raped them.

In two separate incidents, the complainants tried to run away – one was stabbed, and the other was strangled to give in to his demands.

One of the complainants testified in aggravation of sentence, painting the gruesome picture of how living with the trauma and fear has become something she believes she will live with for the rest of her life.

State advocate, Coleen Ryan, argued that the court should not deviate from the ordained sentences, stating that these women have been scarred for the rest of their lives.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the victims and their families suffered immeasurable pain but that the NPA hopes they can find solace in knowing their rapist has been removed from society.

“The NPA commends the commitment from Advocate Ryan and investigating officer, Sergeant Mokwai for their efforts in delivering justice. We also extend our gratitude to court preparation officers, Judin Mbalati and Jennifer Sibisi for their unwavering support to the complainants, making sure that they were prepared to tell their ordeal in court,” said Mjonondwane.