MTUBATUBA High Court last week hosted the first round of legal proceedings in the run-up to the trial of a suspected rapist.
Sibongiseni Thusi is accused of three counts of rape, one count of kidnapping, two counts of robbery and one count of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
However, after the prosecution could not trace one of the complainants, one count of rape and one of robbery were withdrawn.
After his initial court appearance, Thusi pleaded not guilty to all charges and the case was adjourned to 3 May at Mtunzini High Court as a holding date.
The charges against Thusi date back to February 2015 when the first assault took place, resulting in one count of kidnapping, one count of rape and one of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Thusi is accused of forcing his 18-year-old victim into a vehicle and driving her to a sugar cane plantation where he raped her and robbed her of R200.
One month later, the second assault, on a 22-year-old victim, took place, which resulted in one count of rape and one of robbery.
Thusi is accused of raping the second victim and stealing her cell phone and R50.
These two charges, however, were withdrawn after the prosecution could not trace the victim.
The third assault took place in May 2015, which resulted in one count of rape and one of robbery.
Thusi is accused of raping a 19-year-old woman and stealing her cell phone.
According to the indictment, Thusi made appointments with his victims, luring them into a false sense of security by promising them employment opportunities.
Armed with a firearm and a knife, Thusi allegedly took his victims, either by vehicle or on foot, to a sugar cane plantation where he raped, robbed and left them.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
