Serial rapist gets life x three
He attacked the women when they were on their way to or from work.
A MAN charged with a string of rapes, assaults and aggravated robberies between October 2004 and October 2012 was sentenced to three life terms and 107 years’ imprisonment in the Durban High Court this week.
Musawenkosi Lucky Qobho Gumede (29) of Jozini preyed on women between the ages of 18 and 41 who lived in the Verulam, Ubombo, Jozini and Margate areas.
He attacked the women while they were either going to or returning from work. He would threaten them with a firearm or knife, drag them into a bush, rob them of money, jewellery, bank cards or cellphones, rape them and then flee the scene. On three occasions the accused acted with an accomplice.
In some instances, Gumede would break into homes where a woman lived alone or with her children. Some of the women were assaulted by Gumede and one was stabbed in her neck while another has lost the sight in her left eye and the hearing in her left ear.
In aggravation of sentence, senior state advocate Noxolo Dube told the court that the accused’s lack of respect for women was evident in the heinous and horrific way in which he committed the crimes. She urged the court to consider the emotional scars that victims of rape encountered.
Gumede was sentenced to three life terms and 40 years for rape, 45 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, 12 years for housebreaking with the intent to rape and 10 years for assault to do grievous bodily harm.
