On 19 April 2017, Durban Regional Court convicted and sentenced Mhlabunzima Goodnews Zondi (39) to 12 life terms imprisonment for rape and a total of 77 years imprisonment for kidnapping, pointing of firearm and theft.
On 23 March 2013 at about 18:30, a then 17-year-old victim was hitchhiking to her residence at Ngome area, Greytown when the accused offered her a lift. Instead of taking her to her residence, he drove to the nearest forest where he raped her. After the ordeal, the victim was left by the roadside. A case was opened at Greytown police station and the docket was transferred to Greytown Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual offences Unit for further investigation. The victim spotted the accused in the Greytown CBD area and informed the investigating officer who immediately responded and arrested the suspect.
During the investigation, the accused was linked to eleven other rape cases through DNA and modus operandi that he committed between 2009 and 2013 in Greytown, Durban Central, New Hanover, Eshowe, Pietermaritzburg and Melmoth. The accused made various court appearances before the docket was transferred to Durban Regional Court where he was convicted and sentenced. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for each count of rape, five years for each count of kidnapping, 12 years for pointing with a firearm and five years for theft.
The KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Langa applauded the investigating officers for sending well prepared dockets to court which led to the successful prosecution of the accused. “The accused received a befitting sentence for his dreadful acts. Such criminals need to be kept in jail indefinitely,” he said.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
