Eight sentenced for rape in Zululand region

Empangeni SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit successfully convicted and sentenced eight rapists in March and April.

These cases were reported at various police stations, including Empangeni, Ntambanana, Richards Bay and Mtunzini.

Among the cases the accused were convicted and sentenced for were rape, rape and housebreaking, and sexual assault, with their victims aged from 9 to 25 years, one of which was a male.

Once convicted, the sentences handed down ranged from three months to life imprisonment, with the ages of the convicts ranging from 14 to 46.

King Cetshwayo Cluster spokesperson Captain Siyanda Shangase said there has been a significant increase in reporting of rape cases in the district, and attributed this to the campaigns conducted by the police in communities.

“Usually these incidents are swept under the carpet as they are carried out by the perpetrators who are relatives, however, since these campaigns by the police, people are starting to speak out.

“These are serious crimes that we prioritise and the investigating officers make sure to go the extra mile and leave no stone unturned for the courts to convict the accused,” said Shangase.

He further urged communities to report all crimes to the police, no matter how long ago the incident may have taken place.

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