The KwaZulu-Natal Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit successfully presented good cases to court that led to fifty-six convictions including ten life imprisonment around the province. The accused were convicted and sentenced in various parts of the province during the month of May 2015. Amongst the convicted were Sabelo Mkhize, Sibusiso Nkosi, Sibada Ntanda, Mandla Gumede and many more others.
On 23 February 2013, a 15-year-old victim was raped by Sabelo Mkhize (21) and his accomplice at Nsimbini area near Folweni. They were arrested few weeks after the incident. They appeared in the Umlazi Magistrates’ Court several times until they were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. In a separate incident, a 23-year-old victim was raped by Sibusiso Nkosi (21) and his friend Sibada Ntanda (19) at Section 7 in Madadeni on 1 May 2011. They were arrested and appeared in the Madadeni Magistrates’ Court several times until they were both convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. Mandla Gumede (24) was also convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for rape. On 1 September 2011, Gumede raped a 23-year-old victim at Mduku area in Jozini. He was arrested and appeared in court several times until he was sentenced.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni applauded FCS detectives for thoroughly investigating these cases and presented well prepared dockets to courts which led to the successful prosecution of the rapists. “We will always make sure that criminals who prey on vulnerable women and children are kept behind bars,” she said.
Durban Image: Moyo