Man sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and kidnapping

A rapist received two life imprisonment sentences for two rape counts and 10 years imprisonment for a third. Patrick Siyabonga Cele (27) raped three separate victims, aged between 15 and 22-years-old, in Isipingo and Umlazi in 2015 and 2016. He was arrested and charged for three separate cases of rape and kidnapping.

Cele was convicted on Thursday, 21 June at the Durban Magistrate’s Court. He also received four years imprisonment for kidnapping two of the victims and another two years imprisonment for kidnapping the third victim. All together, he received two life term imprisonments and an additional 16 years imprisonment.

W/O, Sfiso Paulos Mngonyama worked tirelessly to ensure that a hefty sentence was given to the accused. “I am happy to know that this rapist has been removed from the community. One can see that his criminal behaviour would have continued if he was not apprehended and sentenced.

“Justice has been served and this criminal will not be able to hurt any women and children again. I am pleased with the court’s sentencing. I will continue to work hard to remove sexual predators from our communities that hurt our women and children.”

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Lieutenant Colonel Ntombifuthi Mkhwanazi, the Umlazi FCS commander heaped praise on the professional commitment from W/O Mngonyama. “W/O Mngonyama’s recent success as a FCS detective is making a difference in the community. His thorough investigation and professionalism has attained him many life-term convictions. I am grateful to have him as part of my team.

I am sending a stern warning out there to any sexual perpetrators. We will ensure you are arrested and face the long arm of the law. There is no mercy from the justice system for those who hurt innocent women and children.”