Our diligent and dedicated Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit members continue to ensure that sex offenders are brought to book and sentenced for their crimes.
That was once again realized when a 29-year-old rapist was sentenced to five life sentences by the Lady Frere (Cacadu) Regional Court on 10 December 2020.
It is alleged that on 16 October 2019, six school children between 6 and 11 years were raped by accused on their way to school at Maqhashu Locality, Lady Frere.
The matter was reported to the police on the same day and the case was assigned to Detective Sergeant Vuyo Nyaka, from Queenstown Family Violence and Child Protection Unit (FCS). The suspect was traced and arrested on 17 October 2019 after he was pointed out by the young victims as they knew him from the village.
Detective Sergeant Nyaka successfully opposed bail and the suspect was remanded in custody until the finalisation of the case.
On 10 December 2020, Khanyisa Xolo was found guilty and sentenced to five life sentence, one life sentence for each child. The case of the sixth girl is yet to be finalized as the victim was not at court during the court proceedings.
All the life sentences will run concurrently with each other.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga commended the investigating officer for his meticulous investigation and National Prosecuting Authority for the well-presented cases in court. “The bravery of the young girls with their testimony in court is what ensured that the suspect received five life sentences. The strong partnership between SAPS and NPA is also applauded”, she added.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
