Gang rapists receive lengthy jail terms

Two Mahlabathini men accused of gang-raping a pensioner (64) were found guilty by the Ulundi Regional Court and each sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment on Monday.

The court heard that around 8pm on 16 April 2023, the victim was returning home with her grandson from a ceremony when she was accosted by men.

Sphamandla Jiyane (32) and Siyanda Mcebisi (27) chased away the grandson, grabbed the victim, and pushed her to the ground before taking turns raping her.

Noticing both men were drunk, the woman’s grandson ran for help as he was concerned about the safety of his gogo.

He fetched his brother and when the two returned, they found one of the men in the act of raping their granny.

The matter was reported to Mahlabathini SAPS and a rape docket was transferred to the Ulundi Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit.

The docket was assigned to Detective Sergeant Nomthandazo Zwane.

Both accused were unknown, but Zwane and the FCS team worked hard until strong evidence linked both accused to the matter, with the men arrested 11 days after the crime.

In another matter, a 48-year-old grandfather was sentenced to life in jail after being found guilty of raping his biological granddaughter (5) on 31 August 2022.

Ulundi Regional Court heard that the child was with her grandmother when the accused arrived. He pushed the girl onto the bed and raped her. The victim came out crying and reported the rape to her grandmother.

When she confronted her husband about the accusation, he confessed to raping his own grandchild.

The matter was reported to the Ulundi Police Station and the docket was transferred to the Ulundi FCS unit for further investigation.

The accused was arrested but escaped from custody on 5 October 2022. He was rearrested after a short while.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY