Robber-rape duo sentenced to 55 years in jail
The conviction and sentencing of two robbery suspects is a clear message to criminals, from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
According to information from SAPS Communications, the FCS Unit began its investigations into a crime incident on February 27 this year, at a rental house in Madadeni.
Five college students were asleep inside at the time. SAPS says the suspects wearing balaclavas broke into the house and entered the students’ bedrooms in turn, robbing them of cash and cellphones.
“One victim informed the suspects she did not have money and was stabbed. The other female victim was taken into an unoccupied bedroom and raped.”
The suspects packed a travel bag and left the house. Sergeant TP Mdluli was assigned the case docket and started investigating on the same night, leading to the arrest of the first suspect a month later.
“Together with her colleagues, Captain Moothilal, Sergeant Mthimkulu and Constable Mbatha, he proceeded to Volksrust in Mpumalanga, and arrested the second suspect.”
During proceedings at the Pietermaritzburg High Court, both suspects pleaded guilty, and were convicted and sentenced on April 17.
Sentencing
25-year-old Sanele Khumalo from Madadeni
- 5 years in prison for house breaking;
- 15 years in prison for robbery under aggravating circumstances.
33-year-old Mandlenkosi Manana from Volksrust
- 5 years imprisonment for house breaking;
- 15 years imprisonment for robbery under aggravating circumstances and
- 15 years for rape.
“Sgt. Mdluli managed to track this high-profile case within a period of two months and this is a clear message that criminals can run but not hide. The arm of the law is
very long,” said SAPS spokesman, Captain Jabulani Ncube.
FCS Commander, Captain NageshMoothilal urged residents to be aware of their surroundings and to keep their doors and windows closed and locked at night.
“We appeal to the community to not buy stolen items or items which may be stolen, because it creates a market for criminals.”
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