THE Empangeni and Ulundi Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units continue to produce results in terms of successful rape prosecutions.
This after provincial statistics indicated that FCS units in KZN secured 40 convictions in June.
Among those convicted, 11 were sentenced to life imprisonment, while the others were sentenced to a collective 443 years in prison.
A total of 223 suspects were also arrested during the same month for various crimes such as rape, sexual and common assault, concealment of birth and kidnapping.
The Empangeni FCS Unit conducted a thorough investigation which led to the conviction of Nkosinathi Nqobile Myeni (30) for two separate rape incidents committed in eSikhaleni and KwaDlangezwa.
In February 2015 Myeni raped a 38-year-old woman after pretending to escort her to her home in KwaDlangezwa.
Instead, he forcefully raped her and fled with her cellphone.
The victim reported the incident to the Mtunzini police, who swiftly conducted a preliminary investigation before the
Empangeni FCS took over the investigation, which led to Myeni’s arrest.
ALSO READ: Dispelling the myths of SA’s ‘rape culture’
His DNA also linked Myeni to a rape case opened at eSikhaleni police station in October 2014.
Myeni raped a then 17-year-old female walking on a pathway near the cemetery, threatening her with a knife.
He was sentenced to 15 years for each rape and both sentences will run concurrently.
In another successful prosecution, a 26-year-old relative was convicted and sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment for raping his nine-year-old niece in the Emagengeni area in Pongola.
The victim was repeatedly raped between 2012 and 2015. A teacher, who noticed her school performance deteriorating, questioned her.
She opened up about the abuse and the teacher reported the matter to her guardian as well as the police.
A case of rape was opened at the Pongola police station and transferred to Ulundi Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for investigation.
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
