eShowe rapist gets life imprisonment

Sizwe Bhengu (30) was given a life sentence for kidnapping and raping a woman in January 2022.

Eshowe Regional Court sentenced Bhengu for the crime which involved accosting a victim while walking home, threatening her with a knife, and forcing her to his home where he raped her twice.

The following morning, the victim managed to escape and get assistance at a neighbouring house, where she reported her rape ordeal.

Police were contacted, a case opened, and the complainant was taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment and examination.

Bhengu fled the area and was arrested a few months later, with the victim positively identifying him.

During the trial, Prosecutor Nomthandazo Mkhize led the evidence of the victim, the neighbour to whom the incident was first reported, and the investigating officer.

The State’s case was further strengthened by the evidence of the medical doctor who examined the victim, the DNA report, and the medico-legal report.

The victim described the severe trauma she continues to experience because of the ordeal.

On Tuesday, Bhengu was sentenced to life for rape and five years for kidnapping.

The court ordered that he serve an effective sentence of life imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

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