Rapists dubbed ‘cowards’ by police

While words cannot console a broken soul, the recent sentencing in two rape cases ignited new hope for victims.

On March 24, Madadeni High Court convicted and sentenced a 23-year-old man to 22 years’ imprisonment on two counts of rape, attempted rape and robbery.

The accused forced his way into a home in Madadeni, Section 5, where five victims were sound asleep. Armed with a knife, he robbed them of their cellphones and other items.

A heinous violation of their basic human rights, the accused raped two of the victims and attempted to rape a third.

An identikit was compiled by police and circulated within the community.

Finally, the accused cracked under social pressure and handed himself over. The community breathed a sigh of relief.

The stolen items were recovered and returned to the victims- a victory regardless.

Police spokesperson, Captain Shooz Magudulela said rape victims should not be afraid to report perpetrators.

“No one is above the law in this country!” he exclaimed.

On the same day, a 32-year-old man was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery and rape. The incident also occurred in Madadeni Section 5.

The accused broke into a home occupied by two women. With a knife as his weapon of choice, he robbed them of their cellphones and raped them.

A young man in the vicinity of the victims’ home was able to assist police with information and identify the culprit. The perpetrator was arrested at his workplace and shortly thereafter, the victims’ cell phones were recovered.

DNA samples linking the accused to both victims were the final nail in his ‘coffin’.

“We hope this victory will serve as a warning to cowards who intend to exploit the vulnerable in society,” concluded Capt. Magudulela.