Rapists jailed for life, plus 24 years
"Each accused was sentenced to life for rape, two years for housebreaking, 15 years for robbery and seven years for attempted murder."
Assaulted and defiled- all for cash and a cellphone.
Madadeni Regional Magistrate’s Court convicted and sentenced Zamokuhle Buthelezi (19) and Thembinkosi Nhlapho (22) to life, plus a total of 24 years’ each on February 29.
On January 8, 2016, three men approached a 24-year-old woman at her home in Madadeni Section 7 at around 2am.
The perpetrators forced open the door, where they viciously assaulted and raped her.
Before fleeing the scene on foot, they stole her cellphone and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The victim later reported the matter to her neighbour, who, in turn, contacted police.
“A case of housebreaking, rape, robbery and attempted murder was opened at Madadeni Police Station for further investigation,” said SAPS spokesperson, Major Thulani Zwane.
Newcastle’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit took over the investigation, which ultimately led to the arrest of all three suspects.
Realising the State had enough evidence to secure a conviction, Nhlapho and Buthelezi pleaded guilty to all the charges against them.
“Each accused was sentenced to life for rape, two years for housebreaking, 15 years for robbery and seven years for attempted murder,” said Maj Zwane.
Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant General, Mmamonnye Ngobeni welcomed the sentence handed down by the regional court.
“I also commend the Newcastle Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit, who thoroughly investigated and presented sufficient evidence at court. The third accused, Sifiso Ndlovu (21) is pleading not guilty and he is still in custody,” she concluded.
