The Esikhaleni Regional Court convicted and sentenced Sandile Khulekani Sibiya (22) of Nhlababo area, Mtunzini to 20 years imprisonment. He was found guilty on 10 November 2014 after the court heard how he raped a 12-year-old girl. On 31 December 2013 the victim went to a neighbouring homestead to celebrate New Year’s Eve. While she was at the homestead she was approached by the accused who raped her. A case of rape was opened at the Mthunzini police station for investigation. The Empangeni Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit investigated the case that led to the arrest of the accused. He was charged with rape and appeared in court several times before his conviction and sentencing.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni welcomed the heavy sentence handed down to the accused as we approach the 16 Days of Activism, No Violence Against Women and Children. “We will ensure that crimes against women and children receives attention 365 days in a year. As we approach this Festive Season our detectives will be out in force to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are arrested and placed behind bars where they belong,” she said.
