Serial rapist and former parolee Mlungisi Mjoli was sentenced to 61 years’ imprisonment by the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Friday, September 13 and will face a further total of seven life sentences.

Mjoli, aged 32, was convicted and found guilty on seven counts of rape and had preyed on women in the Intsikeni, Chatsworth, Inanda and KwaDukuza areas.

Back in 2010, Mjoli was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment for a rape committed in the Umzimkhulu area. He was however released on parole in 2014.

ALSO READ: KwaDukuza politician and family wrapped in rape scandal

According to the Saps, his reign of terror began shortly after he was released on parole.

“His modus operandi was to break into homes during the night while he also targeted women walking alone at night,” said Provincial Saps communications officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane.

Mjoli would threaten and rape his victims at knife-point.

According to Lt. Col. Zwane, Mjoli would move from area to area after each crime, adding more sexual assault victims to his already growing list.

In March of 2017, Mjoli was arrested for being found in possession of drugs as well as for dealing in drugs.

Although this matter is still at court, the Saps explained that in some cases Mjoli had been arrested and then released on bail by the court.

Post release, Mjoli continued with his crime spree however, police were able to successfully link him to multiple rapes.

ALSO READ: Man arrested for rape and murder while in KwaDukuza court for armed robbery

“All the cases were combined and transferred to the Inanda Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit and assigned to a single investigating officer,” said Lt. Col. Zwane.

A thorough investigation led to the arrest of Mjoli and, his request for bail was successfully opposed and he remained in police custody throughout the duration of his trial.

Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Khombinkosi Jula has commended the investigating officer.

Download The North Coast Courier mobile app, now available free from the Apple iStore and on Google Play, for IOS and Android phones.