“A CLEAR and present danger to society, and especially women,” was how acting Durban High Court judge, Anand Maharaj described a serial rapist and murderer who was sentenced last Wednesday, 7 February.
The victims of Bhekunjani Ndimande, also known as Aaron Ndimande, alias Mkhize, included a heavily pregnant mother-to-be and a mentally challenged woman.
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In October 2013 one of Ndimande victims was a six month pregnant woman. The court found that Ndimande stormed into her Umbumbulu home and forced himself on her. After he had raped her, he choked her to death. Her neighbours found her half naked body the next day. Another of his victims was a mentally challenged woman. She survived the April 2011 attack and was present in court to give evidence.
Judge Maharaj found Ndimande guilty on five counts of rape; two counts of murder; two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances; one count of malicious damage to property; two counts of escaping from lawful custody; one of fleeing from law-enforcement officers at Umbumbulu magistrates court and the other for fleeing from Durban High Court. Ndimande was sentenced to two life terms of imprisonment.
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Constable Goodhope Makhonza of Umbumbulu SAPS worked hard to ensure a hefty sentence was given to the accused in this case. Cst Makhonza received the case in 2013 and has worked four long years to put Bhekunjani Ndimande behind bars. This is excellent investigation given by Cst Makhonza. Ndimande had escaped from custody twice while appearing in court during his trial but Cst Makhonza worked conscientiously to ensure he was re-arrested each time and brought before the court for the completion of his trial.
Ethekwini Outer South cluster head of Investigations, Colonel Anita Narayan said: “The commitment and professionalism shown by Cst Makhonza led to the securing of an excellent conviction of two life terms of imprisonment.
Cst Makhonza did not only bring justice for those hurt and who died in these crimes, but he also ensured the accused would never do this again to someone else. He has helped remove a danger criminal off our streets. I commend him for an outstanding investigation. I am very proud of him.”
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