Eight accused for rape handed 30 life sentences

Thirty life sentences were handed to eight accused for rape charges committed in separate incidents during August and September this year.

Amongst the convicts, are duo, Morena Kgabo and Thulani Khumalo  who were given harsh sentences for sexually abusing three victims in Standerton and Sakhile around 2013. Both were sentenced by  the Secunda Sexual Offence Court last month where Kgabo was found guilty on fourteen rape charges and as a result granted 14 life sentences.

He was also sentenced to 10 more years’ imprisonment for two counts of kidnapping and one year for assault. His co-accused, Khumalo was found guilty on 11 charges of rape for which he was sentenced to a 15 year jail term for each, totalling 165 years, which will run concurrently. He was further sentenced to five years imprisonment for kidnapping and will serve an effective 20 years in prison.

In a separate case,  a 21 year old man from Kwachibikhulu near Chrissiesmeer, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victims who are related to him. He was handed a life sentence for statutory rape at the Ermelo Regional Court in August for  the rape two boys aged nine and 13.

According to  Brigadier Leonard Hlathi spokesperson for the Mpumalanga police, the court heard how he raped them on several occasions while they were in his care. He was also granted another 10 years imprisonment for raping an 18- year- old woman.

Solomon Sizwe Yende was also sentenced to three life sentences by the Circuit of the Pretoria High Court sitting in Barberton, for raping three minors.