AN alleged rapist was brutally assaulted and stoned to death by an angry mob at Ngwemabala, Gcilima near Margate recently.
According to police spokesman Captain Gerald Mfeka, the man, identified as Simiso Ngilande (28), suffered severe injuries and died at the scene.
The mob accused Ngilande of numerous rapes in the area.
The last straw was the alleged kidnapping and rape of a young girl (12) from Nkampani last Saturday night. This prompted the mob to take the law into their own hands.
“Ngilande arrived at the victim’s home in Nkampani to visit her sister (14), who is pregnant with his child. She was not at home at the time,” said Capt Mfeka.
According to the 65 year-old grandmother, Ngilande dragged the girl out of the bath and took her naked outside and into the bush, where he raped her.
“I screamed for help, my neighbours came, and we contacted the police,” she said. It is believed that Ngilande took her to another location where he raped her again. On Sunday he released her.
At about 9.30am on Sunday police received a call that there were about 2 000 community members chasing Ngilande.
“When police arrived at the scene they found Ngilande, with multiple injuries and stones and sticks near him.
An ambulance was called and when paramedics arrived he was pronounced dead,” said Capt Mfeka.
Margate police are investigating a murder case against those responsible for the fatal assault.
According to a family member, the community of Nkampani were really afraid of Ngilande.
“He has done horrible things to my family. Mob justice is the most effective way of dealing with perpetrators who terrorise us. We have the right to defend ourselves. We are sick and tired of crime,” she said.
Captain Mfeka confirmed yesterday (Wednesday) that Ngilande, was wanted on other charges relating to rape and robbery.
The victim, a grade six pupil, lives with her sister and grandmother, who is the breadwinner in the house.
The girl’s mother died when she was only eight years old. They receive no child grants.
On Tuesday this week the Margate SAPS Women’s Networking team, under the supervision of Lieutenant-Colonel Muriel Nokulunga Novandla, visited the child and gave her some items.
“Together with the staff at Margate SAPS we have collected clothing. We are arranging a grant for the two girls,” said Lt-Col Novandla.
If anyone is willing to help the family, they can contact Lt-Col Novandla at 082 3329360.
