On 12 November 2018, the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court convicted and sentenced Msize Mvelase (40) to 20 years imprisonment for raping a 14 year old female. In January 2018, the victim was approached by the accused whilst on her way to the shop, the accused told her that he was looking for someone and asked her if she knew that person. He then grabbed and dragged her to the nearby bushes where he raped her.
The victim immediately went home and reported the incident to her aunt.
As they were discussing the incident, the members of the community came with the suspect as someone from the community witnessed the girl being dragged into the bushes. With the assistance of the community members, he managed to apprehend the accused and handed him over to the police.
A case of rape was opened at Taylors Halt police station and was assigned to Plessislaer Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for investigation. The accused made several appearances in court and was kept in custody until he was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
