July 20, 2015 is a day that will forever remain vivid in Emmanuel Mgoza’s mind. It was the day that the 47-year-old driving school instructor nabbed a child rapist in Connor Street.

Today, Mr Mgoza is glad that justice has been served and 30-year-old Ntokozo Sibiya has been given a life sentence for the rape of a seven-year-old. Recalling the events that unfolded on that cold July afternoon, Mr Mgoza says he was wrapping up a driving lesson at about 6.30pm when he noticed a man pulling a child ‘roughly’ towards Princess Park at the bottom of Connor Street.

His suspicions were immediately raised and he instructed the driver to proceed in that direction.

“I checked the grounds and the toilets and I did not find anyone. It seemed like no one was around. I then decided to check the substation at the top of the hill,” explained Mr Mgoza.

It was here that he discovered a naked man forcing himself onto the child, who was also undressed.

“I shouted at him ‘Don’t move’ and pulled out my gun. He started fighting to get free but I managed to hold onto him. I signalled for the driver who was with me to call the police. This man continued fighting and bit me on my shoulders. I was becoming tired but then the police arrived,” he recalled.

The man tried to defend his heinous act but was immediately arrested. The Estcourt Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit investigated the case and it was concluded in the Estcourt Regional Court on May 29 where the rapist was given a life sentence.

“His details will also be entered into the Register for Sexual Offenders,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thulani Zwane.
Mr Mgoza is relieved and overjoyed at hearing the outcome.

“It feels great to know that the law has taken its course. There was a time when I had to testify in court and the accused was on bail, I felt intimidated by him but I am happy it is concluded,” he said.

Living in a small town means looking out for each other and Mr Mgoza urges residents to help wherever possible to prevent crime.

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