Just desserts for sleepy rapist
NQUTHU Regional Court convicted and sentenced Philani Mahlaba (24) to 25 years imprisonment for rape. On April 20, at approximately 7:30pm, Mahlaba allegedly accosted his 47 year old victim on her way home, forcing her to his homestead and raping her repeatedly at knifepoint. The victim managed to escape and report the incident to the …
NQUTHU Regional Court convicted and sentenced Philani Mahlaba (24) to 25 years imprisonment for rape.
On April 20, at approximately 7:30pm, Mahlaba allegedly accosted his 47 year old victim on her way home, forcing her to his homestead and raping her repeatedly at knifepoint. The victim managed to escape and report the incident to the police after Mahlaba fell asleep.
A case of rape was opened at eMondlo SAPS and the Vryheid Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit took over the investigation. Philani Mahlaba was apprehended on the same day of the incident. He made several court appearances and his bail was denied. He was found guilty on November 14 by the Nquthu Regional Court and was sentenced to life imprisonment.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni, commended Vryheid FCS Unit for the excellent skills shown by gathering the evidence that led to the conviction of the accused.
“This conviction sets the right trend for the upcoming 16 Days of Activism Campaign for No Violence Against Women and Children,” she said.
