NDUMISO Dlamini (24) of Siganqa Ward in Umzimkhulu appeared in the Umzimkhulu Regional Court recently where he was convicted of rape and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The case was investigated by Detective Constable Nonkuleleko Mgqibisa of the Ixopo Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit (FCS).
The commander of the Ixopo FCS unit, Lieutenant Devika Pillay, commended Constable Mgqibisa on the excellent investigation which resulted in the successful conviction and sentencing of the accused.
“I am pleased with the sentence meted out by the court and welcome the fact that another rapist has been removed from society. Dlamini will not be a threat to women, especially young vulnerable girls, anymore.”, said Lieutenant Pillay.
A 12-year-old girl was at the bus stop in Ntshabeni Ward, Kromhoek in Umzimkhulu waiting to board a bus to school on April 15 at 7am. When the bus failed to arrive, she and two fellow pupils decided to walk to school. The pupils were confronted by Dlamini along the way. They ran away from him but Dlamini managed to catch the 12 year-old at a river that the children had to cross to get to school.
He threatened to kill the child by submerging her in the river, and stabbed her in the face and thigh before undressing and raping her. He let her go and hid in the bushes when he heard the sound of voices. The other two pupils who had escaped managed to raise the alarm and returned with others to help the victim.
“Police arrived and surrounded the area where Dlamini was hiding,” said police spokesman Captain Vincent Pandarum. “Dlamini was arrested hours later and detained. Bail was opposed and he remained in custody,” said Capt Pandarum.
