Pensioner rapist and aunt killer sentenced

The man convicted of raping a 69-year-old woman during a house break-in in March 2023 was handed two life sentences by Nongoma Regional Court on Wednesday.

The court heard how Thalente Nkwanyane (27) of Bhanganono outside Nongoma broke into the pensioner’s home at around 8.30pm.

He lit a match while inside the house, allowing the victim to clearly identify him.

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Upon seeing the intruder, she screamed for help but Nkwanyana threatened to kill her. He then proceeded to rape her.

In a separate case, Nongoma Regional Court sentenced Velenkosini Sibiya (26) of Emagonsini outside Nongoma to 13 years for the murder of his aunt, Zandile Buthelezi, on 9 September 2023.

Sibiya reportedly believed his aunt was responsible for the death of his mother.

The court heard how he knocked on the door of Buthelezi’s rondavel at around 8pm and, when she opened the door, he struck her on the head with an iron rod, killing her.

Sibiya fled the scene but the family tracked him down and handed him over to the police.