Mqanduli sexual offenders handed hefty sentences

South African Police Service

Mqanduli sexual offenders handed hefty sentences
Mqanduli sexual offenders handed hefty sentences

Mqanduli FCS (Family Violence, Child protection and Sexual Offences Unit) concerted efforts to fighting crime and ensuring that sex offenders are behind bars were handsomely rewarded when the following convictions and sentences were meted in court over the month of October 2020.

Two life sentences and 31 years in total were meted to different sex offenders. This is an outcome of quality investigation and good working relationship between the courts, prosecution and police detectives.

• A 22-year-old woman was raped by Sithembokuhle Velehlathini, who was 21, at the time on 6 July 2019. This happened at the homestead of the suspect. Accused was found guilty and sentenced to undergo life imprisonment.

• A 14-year-old girl was raped by accused Sithembokuhle Velehlathini aged 21 years. Incident happened on 6 July 2019 at Shinira, Elliotdale when young girl was on her way home. She was accosted by suspect who then raped her. Accused found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.

• On 24 December 2016, a 32-year-old woman was raped at the homestead of the accused, Thamsanqa Nogongotha aged, 34. This happened after he met with the victim early in the morning and dragged her to his home. Accused was found guilty and sentenced to undergo 9 years imprisonment.

• A 7-year-old minor was raped by 21-year-old Sihle Layiti on 2 December 2019 at Zinkawu Location. Accused is from the same locality as the victim. He was found guilty and sentenced to undergo 7 years imprisonment.

• Sihle Layita, aged 21 years, attempted to rape a woman aged 27 on 22 December 2019. Accused was found guilty and sentenced to undergo 7 years imprisonment.

• It is alleged that on 4 October 2019 the victim who is a 30-year-old woman was with his family at her home during the night. They decided to collect money so as to enjoy themselves as family. She accompanied her half-brother going to buy alcohol. On the way, the half-brother, Sibongiseni Tshemese threatened the victim with a knife and raped her. Accused was found guilty and sentenced to undergo 8 years.

• Mveleli Yiyo aged 23 attempted to rape a 29-year-old woman on 14 February 2020. Accused was found guilty and sentenced to undergo 6 years imprisonment. He did this attempt while they were traveling home from a tavern.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner commended the sentences and hard work by detectives. “Your commitment has ensured that no sex offenders walk away free without facing consequences of their actions,” she added.

SAPS Newsroom

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service