Two brothers are behind bars after they were convicted of rape.
Phumlani and Thembinkosi Ndlela, who were 21 and 22 respectively, at the time of the incident, were convicted for the rape of an 18-year-old girl in February 2013.
The brothers took their young victim from the Sithembile location by knife point, to a nearby field, where they took turns raping her. Thembinkosi then left, but Phumlani stayed behind, saying that he was not done with her yet.
He then decided to take her home with him, however, he dropped her off at a friends house, while he checked the situation at home. When the girl told the friend what the brothers had done to her, he told her to escape. She then reported the matter to police. Phumlani was arrested the same night.
Thembinkosi was arrested seven days later, after he went on the run.
The brothers were convicted in the Dundee Magistrates Court on February 9. Phumlani was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
He also has an outstanding case of rape pending. Thembinkosi was sentenced to 23 years. Investigating Officer, W/O Khambule praised the victim for being strong during the trial, even when she was asked to testify twice.
Captain FP Fuller, Unit Commander of FCS Dundee, expressed her pride in her members, not only for this conviction, but for staying strong and committed despite enormous challenges the small group of investigators face currently.
She emphasised that the dedication and hard work her members put into their cases, will go a long way in ensuring that criminals who prey on women and children will be kept out of society. Captain Fuller expressed her heartfelt sympathy towards the victim but commends her for being brave and steadfast during the long trial.
