Sexual criminal sentenced to three years imprisonment

A sexual criminal, who assaulted a woman at Pipeline Beach last year, was sentenced to three years imprisonment on Wednesday, 30 May.

The Umlazi Regional Court convicted and sentenced Thobani Thembinkosi Mtshali (22) for two counts of sexual assault. He received three years imprisonment, of which two years is suspended for five years on condition the accused is not convicted of the same offence during the period of suspension. He was further convicted for assault GBH and sentenced to 10 months imprisonment.

His friend, Bonginkosi Khayile (18) was convicted and sentenced to pay R12,000 or six months imprisonment for attempting to obstruct and defeat the course of justice.

On 1 February 2016, the 22-year-old victim was at Pipeline Beach with her family. While swimming with her cousin, Mtshali came from behind and touched her thighs. He then went under the water and put his hands on her bikini.

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When she asked him what he was doing, he became aggressive and punched her in the right eye. She got out of the water to go to her mother and Mtshali followed her and fought with her mother. Beach law enforcement came to her rescue and arrested Mtshali and Khayile, who had come to his aid.

Cst T Ndlovu worked hard to ensure a good sentence was given to both accused. “We will ensure criminals who hurt our children and women face the long arm of the law and are imprisoned said Lt Col Nthombifuthi Mkhwanazi, the commander of Umlazi FCS. “I am proud of the professional commitment from Cst T Ndlovu at Umlazi FCS who ensured that both accused were put behind bars.”