Serial rapist and killer Themba Shongwe was yesterday given nine life sentences at the Secunda Regional Court.

Ridge Times reports a life sentence was imposed on each of the nine counts of rape and murder for which he stood trial and was found guilty.

He committed the crimes between 2016 and 2018, during which time he raped and murdered Nokulunga Nkutha (11) on August 12, 2016, her cousin Lerato Nkutha (11) on May 7, 2018, Cynthia Masilela (16) on June 28, 2017, and Mihle Zingamo (14) on November 7, 2018. Their bodies were found dumped in the street in Extension 17 near Shongwe’s house in eMbalenhle. All the victims were known to Shongwe except one rape victim who was not murdered. Shongwe was arrested in 2019.

The state prosecutor, Tracy Keen-Horak, said at the sentencing that Shongwe was convicted on all nine counts for which he stood trial. She requested that the minimum prescribed sentence for rape and murder, which is life imprisonment, be imposed.

“The state cannot imagine more horrendous offences,” said Keen-Horak.

“The fact that this accused not only raped but also brutally murdered his victims resulted in this being the worst serial rapist that I have seen in this area. He has shown absolutely no remorse for what he has done. In fact, he chose to traumatise the families even further by dragging out the court case.”

Some family members of the girls died while Shongwe’s trial dragged on. They died from a stroke and other factors which Keen-Horak believes were caused by stress due to the crimes committed and court case.

“Serial rapists and murderers are regarded by society as inherently evil and among the most feared and brutal criminals,” said Keen-Horak.

“Society demands protection and a heavy sentence against such atrocious crimes.”

The Magistrate, Graham Cupido, before passing sentence, said: “One life lost is one too many.”

“Rape is the most brutal invasion of a person’s privacy, and it is a despicable cancer in our society,” said Cupido.

“You reigned with terror during those three years when the crimes were committed. The victims were all minors and considered to be the most vulnerable in the community who need to be protected. Children are supposed to be able to play in parks and public spaces and be safe and free to enjoy their lives.

“You raped and murdered young, innocent girls who were not supposed to pay with their lives. You robbed the community of the preciousness of life. These young girls could have been leaders in the community one day and other people could have looked up to them. Not everybody becomes a great person; greatness comes from within.”

Cupido further mentioned in his sentencing verdict that rape must be one of the most degrading and humiliating ways to treat a person and that it kills the spirit of the person.

“The after-effects of rape are also like a life sentence; it follows a person for the rest of his or her life. I think sometimes the court underestimates the psychological effects of rape because the physical scars heal, but the emotional scars do not.”

Cupido remarked that although he realises no sentence will bring back the deceased loved ones, he hopes that for this season, the families will get closure.

He thanked the investigating officer, Sergeant Hezekiel Malapela, for the thorough investigation throughout this case.

The people from the eMbalenhle community who attended the court case burst out dancing and singing as Shongwe was led from the dock back down to the holding cells after he was sentenced.