The Nquthu Regional Court convicted and sentenced Philani Mahlaba (24) to 25 years imprisonment for rape.
The Court heard that at about 7.30pm on April 20, the victim was on her way home in Mondlo when she was accosted by Mahlaba. He forced her into his homestead where he repeatedly raped her at knife point. The victim managed to escape when he fell asleep and the police were contacted.
A case of rape was opened at Mondlo 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 Friday 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 sai