Rapist gets three life terms

2008-02-14 18:19

Pietermaritzburg - The Pietermaritzburg High Court imposed on Thursday three life terms on a gang rapist, one for a rape he perpetrated himself - and two life terms for two rapes committed by another gang member.

The rapist, Siphamuzi Mhlaba, 23, of Pietermaritzburg, was convicted of the two rapes committed by another man because he assisted in the rapes.

His co-accused Thembinkosi Mhlongo, was acquitted of all the three rape charges and one of aggravated robbery as there was not sufficient evidence to convict him.

A DNA test had shown that Mhlaba raped the victim.

The victim had also identified him.

Judge Thumba Pillay said that the victim had been a single witness against Mhlongo and she may have been honestly mistaken in saying he was one of the rapists.

The victim said that before Mhlalba's co-suspect raped her, he put on a condom, but the police had not used two condoms which were left on the scene to obtain samples for DNA testing.

Pillay was highly critical at this omission as Mhlongo might have been convicted of the four crimes had DNA tests shown he used a condom.

The victim was gang raped in front of her six-year-old son in her home.

Pillay said it must have been horrific for the mother and child.

"I can't imagine what lasting impression it must have left," he said.

Sexual violence against women had reached epidemic proportions and courts dealt with many cases every day.

"Rape is a most horrific and reprehensible crime. It has no place in civilised society," Pillay said.

Mhlaba had previous convictions, including those of robbery and housebreaking.

Pillay said that Mhlaba had learnt nothing from the time he spent in prison.

He had shown no remorse.

He was also sentenced to five years for the aggravated robbery of the woman.

- SAPA