The Nquthu Regional Court has convicted and sentenced Sanele Khumalo (28) to a total of 55 years imprisonment for three counts of rape.
He was sentenced on January 28 after the court heard how he raped three victims in 2011 and 2012. These cases were investigated by the Dundee Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.
On the night of August 11, 2012, a 22-year-old woman was sleeping at her house in Nquthu when she was approached by Khumalo. She was overpowered, strangled and assaulted with a sjambok.
The victim was raped before the accused fled the scene. A case of rape was opened at Nquthu police station and the docket was taken over by Dundee FCS Unit. Khumalo was arrested on the same day of an incident. DNA samples were taken for further analysis.
While waiting for DNA results from the Forensic Science Laboratory, a case against Khumalo was provisionally withdrawn at court pending results. In the meantime, Khumalo had left the area to Gauteng.
The DNA results returned and linked the accused to two more rape cases in the Nquthu area. A manhunt was conducted looking for the accused in order to serve him with a summons to appear in court. In 2016, he was traced and arrested at his home while attending a traditional ceremony. The accused was taken to court where he was eventually convicted and sentenced for three counts of rape.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at dundee.courier@caxton.co.za. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394
