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An Eastern Cape man has been sentenced to three life sentences and 280 years for raping teenage girls and women by luring them through his Facebook page from 2019 to 2020.
Khululekani Justin Ngqeza’s (30) was sentenced on Monday at the Makhanda High Court.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu, during his 2-year stint, 10 females, aged between 15 and 21, were lured by him promising them lucrative modelling careers.
He allegedly met his victims in secluded bushes or B&Bs where he first took photographs of them and raped them shortly after.
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“After raping his last victim in May 2020, in Queenstown, the victim immediately alerted police and intelligence gathered indicated that he was on his way to Mthatha.
“A roadblock was set up and he was arrested at the Kei Bridge on 19 May 2020. Since his arrest, 6 other victims have come forward and opened cases. Three of his victims are from the Western Cape (Woodstock and Sea Point),” said Naidu.
Police also reported that the accused remained in custody until the finalisation of his cases and on 6 February 2023 he was found guilty on all of the charges ranging from rape to trafficking in persons.
On Monday, Ngqeza was sentenced to the following:
Meanwhile, provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene said the sentences were victory for all the victims who have suffered such humiliating degradation at the mercy of a cruel man.
“Lengthy jail sentences such as this brings hope to all victims that justice prevails and that the cycle of violence against women and children can and must be broken.
“We will continue to prioritise and fight Gender Based Violence in all its forms. The increasing brutality and violence against women ranks as the highest form of betrayal because the majority of it is in the hands of those they trust,” said Mene.
She also applauded the investigation skills of the provincial head office of Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for ensuring that Ngqeza remained behind bars for the rest of his life.
READ MORE: Another Facebook rapist arrested in Mpumalanga after raping teen
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