Life sentences for rapists
On August 13 Sthembiso Mfanafuthi Ntombela (22) was found guilty of three counts of rape, his victims two women and a 10-year-old girl. The first victim was raped in Ntshawini on May 27, 2009 and the second in Gledhow on December 17, 2011. Prosecutor Paul Nel told the court how Ntombela attacked the women while …

On August 13 Sthembiso Mfanafuthi Ntombela (22) was found guilty of three counts of rape, his victims two women and a 10-year-old girl.
The first victim was raped in Ntshawini on May 27, 2009 and the second in Gledhow on December 17, 2011.
Prosecutor Paul Nel told the court how Ntombela attacked the women while they were walking home alone, overpowered them and dragged them into nearby bushes to rape them.
Ntombela raped his third victim on May 8, 2009 in Ntshawini when he saw her playing alone in a sugar cane field.
After DNA linked him to the crimes, Ntombela received a ten year sentence for each of the first two counts and life imprisonment (25 years) for the third. The sentences will run concurrently.
Madla Jacklu Mathabela (37) was given life in prison on August 6 after he was found guilty of raping a 10-year-old girl.
The court heard that Mathabela and the victim’s mother drank liquor and went to bed. The victim’s mother later woke to find Mathabela naked on top of her daughter.
Prosecutor GL Makhanya said that when the woman tried to call the police Mathabela threatened to kill her. The girl’s older sister reported the rape a month later.
Handing down sentencing, magistrate G Mpikileli reiterated the national need for specialised sexual offences courts.
“It is concerning that sexual offenders mostly target victims who are related to them, misusing trust. Stanger is one of the highest sexual offences zones with a high prevalence rate.”
Mpikileli also gave Nhlanhla Dlamini (24) a life sentence on August 12, for raping an 11-year-old girl he is related to.
Dlamini, who had been drinking, offered the victim and her sister liquor and called it a cold drink. The girls spat the liquor out and Dlamini became angry and chased after them.
The victim’s sister outran Dlamini but he caught and raped the 11-year-old in a nearby bush.
Regional court control prosecutor advocate Ansuya Harillal is pleased with the sentences.
“These three life sentences are being applauded and celebrated by the prosecution in Stanger. We want the sentences to serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders. This criminal behaviour is intolerable and they will face the full wrath of the law.”