KZN SAPS secured a total of 332 arrests in March and convicted 24 suspects for sexual related crimes.
“During the month of March, detectives at the KZN Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units (FCS) continued to work tirelessly to ensure that justice is served to the victims of rape and sexual related cases in the province,” said Cpt Nqobile Gwala, spokesperson for KZN provincial SAPS.
ALSO READ: Man nabbed with unlicensed gun in Nazareth, Pinetown
“From 1 March 2020 until 31 March 2020, a total of 332 suspects were arrested by detectives from the FCS Unit for various cases such as rape, sexual assault, assault, concealment of birth, kidnapping, attempted rape and other cases,” said Gwala.
“These cases remain under investigation by the FCS Unit,” he added.
The arrests were topped off by success in the courts by police during this time too.
“During the month of March, 24 suspects were convicted and sentenced to three terms of life imprisonment as well as a total of 251 years imprisonment for sexual related cases,” said Gwala.
Pinetown rape
Thembinkosi Magagula, who was found guilty of raping two women in Reservoir Hills, was among those were convicted in March.
KZN NPA spokesperson, Natasha Kara, said Pinetown Regional Court sentenced Thembinkosi Magagula to life imprisonment for the rape of two women.
“The incident occurred when the complainants, aged 16 and 18 years old, met Magagula on a footpath. He produced a knife and demanded money and cellphones from them. Since they did not have either, he stabbed one woman in her hand and punched the other in the face. He then led them into a bush where he raped them and then fled,” said Kara.
“Both complainants were aided at the scene. They positively identified Magagula as he exited the bushes and he was arrested,” said Kara.
ALSO READ: Armed men prey on DA KZN leader in Westville home
Kara also said that regional court prosecutor, Sabelo Zibuyile, led the testimonies of the complainants, the first report as well as DNA evidence directly linking Magagula to the crime.
“Zibuyile further submitted a Victim Impact Statement compiled by the complainant and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer, Bonisile Mthethwa,” she said.
“In sentencing Magagula, the court took both counts as one and sentenced him to an effective life imprisonment,” she added.
Lockdown
While the rest of the country is on lockdown to combat the Covid-19 outbreak, provincial police reassured people that attacks on the most vulnerable members of society are still being fought.
“During this difficult period, we will continue to protect our women and children who remain vulnerable to attacks from sexual predators,” said KZN Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Khombinkosi Jula. “It still remains a concern that our women and children are at risk of being attacked by those who are closest to them,” said Lt Jula.
Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via Telegram? Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts.
Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.
