Police spokesperson Major Thulani Zwane said the Madadeni regional court convicted and sentenced two, separate rape accused, respectively to 50 years imprisonment for two counts of rape and a second accused to life imprisonment.
“Musawenkosi Siwela, aged 32 was convicted and sentenced to 25 years imprisonment on two counts of rape. The accused raped two girls in separate incidents at Osizweni area.
“Second accused, Phila Mfanafuthi Kubheka, aged 28, was handed a life sentence by the Madadeni Regional court on 24 August 2015, following a rape case he had committed on 1 June 2012,” Zwane said. “It is said that the victim had arrived at her place of residence at about midnight, had a fight with her grandmother and decided to go to a friend’s place. On her way there, she met with the accused who assaulted her and took her by force to his house, where he raped her. He let her go at about 4:00 the next morning and the victim went and reported the case at the Osizweni police station.
“The accused was sought and it was apparent that he had fled the area and the Newcastle Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit took over the case and collated evidence, including DNA evidence. Eventually the suspect was traced and arrested at Ivory Park in Gauteng. He was then denied bail as he was a flight risk, he remained in custody until his trial date on the 24 August 2015. He will serve his future behind bars, as per sentence handed by the Madadeni Regional Court of a life sentence.”
Source: African News Agency (ANA).
