MADADENI – A 21-year-old man charged with the rape and murder of a mentally disabled woman, was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment on June 23, at the Madadeni High Court.
Related article: Elderly woman murdered in Madadeni
The crimes were committed in the Msinsini area, South Coast, where the suspect together with an accomplice, forced their way into the deceased’s home.
Also see: Woman gang raped, assaulted and left to die
“In the early hours of 22 May 2016, Bonisile Maphumulo (45), who was also mentally challenged, was with her 12-year-old son in her homestead. Two men entered the house by force and each raped the woman and killed her with a piece of wood. A case was opened at Msinsini police station for further investigation. Later, local detectives took over investigation and the accused was arrested and charged for rape and murder,” said a statement by KZN Communications, Lieutenant Colonel Thulani Zwane.
The accused made several court appearances until he was convicted and sentenced by the Madadeni High Court. It’s reported the accused confessed to the gruesome crimes and pleaded guilty to all charges.
The KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bhekinkosi Langa, welcomed the sentence handed down to the accused.
“I would like to appeal to the community that they must give the SAPS information about the outstanding suspect who is still at large. We will not rest until we find him, no matter where he hides,” vowed the General.
The police are still looking for the second suspect, who is still at large.
