Rapist of six-year-old KwaMakhutha girl sentenced to life

A KwaMakutha rapist received a life sentence in Umlazi Regional Court on Wednesday, 30 August after he was found guilty of kidnapping and raping a six-year-old victim.

The victim was walking at Ezimangweni area in KwaMakhutha on 12 June 2016, after visiting her biological mother when she was approached by Sbahle Shange (27).

He took her by force to his house in the area where she was raped. On hearing about the incident, her mother went to the Shange’s residence and found him. She shouted for help and community members came to her assistance.

Shange fled the scene, but the community managed to apprehend him and he was handed over to the police.

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A case of rape was opened and investigated. The accused was charged accordingly and appeared several times in the Umlazi court until he was convicted.

KZN acting provincial commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa welcomed the heavy sentence handed down to the accused, especially at the end of Women’s Month.

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“I also thank the community members who stood up and fought child abuse in the area by apprehending the accused and handing him over to the police. Victims of abuse must break the silence and report such crimes. They must not be intimidated by any criminals when threatened.

Our dedicated and committed Umlazi Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit will make sure that those reported cases are properly investigated and criminals are brought to book,” he said.