Rapist demands victim’s cell number for relationship alibi
He asked for her number so that, should she report the incident, he could claim they were in a relationship.
The Madadeni Regional Court has sentenced 42-year-old Andile Khawuleza to life imprisonment for raping a woman in October 2025.
According to National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal Division, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, before the offence, the victim and her boyfriend were spending the night at her cousin’s house.
“While they were sleeping, Khawuleza entered the room and questioned why they were there. The victim explained that her cousin had permitted them to spend the night at the residence,” said Ramkisson-Kara.
Khawuleza then allegedly asked the victim to accompany him to look for her cousin so he could confirm her explanation.
“While they were searching for the cousin, Khawuleza took the victim to his house, where he raped and assaulted her,” she said.
Ramkisson-Kara said that, after the rape, Khawuleza asked the victim for her cellphone number so that, should she report the incident to the police, he could claim they were in a relationship.
She then returned to her cousin’s house and found that her boyfriend was no longer there. As it was dark, she stayed overnight.
The following morning, while on her way home, she met her sister and told her what had happened.
Although she did not know Khawuleza’s name, she described him and indicated where he lived. Her sister recognised the description and was able to identify him.
The victim then reported the matter to police and pointed out Khawuleza’s residence, where police arrested him.
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Devastating impact of the ordeal
During the trial, prosecutor Cindy Alberts led the evidence of the complainant, her sister and the medical doctor who examined the complainant following the rape.
Alberts also presented a Victim Impact Statement compiled by the complainant and facilitated by court preparation officer Nokukhanya Alice Cele. In the statement, the victim detailed the devastating impact the rape has had on her life, including difficulty sleeping, weight loss and withdrawing from social activities.
Name to be entered in sex offenders register
In addition to the life sentence, the court declared Khawuleza unfit to possess a firearm and ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
Ramkisson-Kara said the NPA remained steadfast in its commitment to combating sexual offences and gender-based violence through vigorous prosecution and a victim-centred approach.
“This commitment is supported by the continued expansion of the Thuthuzela Care Centre network, which has grown from 55 centres in the 2020/21 financial year to 68 centres currently operational across the country,” she said.
She concluded that, “These centres provide integrated medical, legal and psychosocial services to survivors of sexual violence and continue to play a critical role in supporting victims while contributing to the successful prosecution of offenders through prosecutor guided investigations.”
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