The Ulundi Regional Court convicted and sentenced Sifundo Khumalo (29) and Khethokuhle Dubazane (26), to life imprisonment for rape on 15 September 2020. Both were declared unfit to possess a firearm.
On 5 November 2018, an 18-year-old woman from Njomelwane in Mahlabathini was asleep at her home when two males who gained entry through the window accosted her. They raped her until the following morning. She reported the matter to the police and charges of rape were opened at the Mahlabathini police station.
The docket was transferred to the Ulundi Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) for further investigation. The accused were later arrested and made several court appearances until they were successful convicted and sentenced in court.
In another incident in September 2018, the victim, who was 32 years at that time, was at the tavern when she lost track of time and requested the accused to accompany her to her home. While they were at her home, the accused pushed her on the ground, strangled and raped her. A case of rape case was opened at the Plessislaer SAPS and the docket was transferred to the Plessislaer FCS Unit for investigation. The accused Bosman Dlamini (33) was arrested for rape and made several court appearances. The Pietermaritzburg Regional Court found Dlamini guilty of rape and was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.
“We appreciate the heavy sentence handed over to the accused and we hope it will serve as a lesson to others. We pray that this heavy sentence will the help the victims to find closure and healing,” said the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula.
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