Esikhaleni Regional Court convicted and sentenced three accused, Siyathokoza Masinga (31), Mxolisi Mthembu (23) and Sibusiso Kunene (28) for rape and kidnapping.
On 6 April 2012 at night, the victim was with her friend at Esikhaleni area on their way to her friend, they were approached by three suspects who took the victim by force to a certain flat. Her friend managed to escaped and run away.
The victim was gang raped by all three suspects. A case of rape was opened at Esikhaleni police station and Empangeni Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit took over the investigation. Through investigation, all three suspects were arrested and charged with rape and kidnapping.
Masinga was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and eight years for kidnapping. Mthembu was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for rape and eight years for kidnapping. Kunene was sentenced to 25 years for rape.
The KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa welcomed the sentence handed down to all three accused.
“This will serve as a warning to other would-be rapist as their conduct was extremely unaccepted in the society,” he said.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
