Man gets life sentence for 2018 rape in Osizweni

The Madadeni Regional Court has sentenced Manqoba Dube to life imprisonment for the rape he committed in December 2018 in the Osizweni area.

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said on the night of the incident, the women was walking home after visiting her boyfriend, when Mr Dube, 29, and another male accosted her.

“She recognised Dube from the area and was also able to identify the other male. They took her to an open field where they took turns to rape her. After that, they left her in the field and fled. The complainant continued home where she reported the incident to her family. They reported the matter to the SAPS and the complainant was taken to the Madadeni Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) for the necessary support. Dube was arrested after the police found him at his home, however, his co-accused is still at large,” said Ms Ramkisson-Kara.

In court, Prosecutor Cindy-Lee Alberts led the testimonies of the complainant and her parents.

DNA samples linking Mr Dube to the rape, and the evidence of the TCC doctor further bolstered the state’s case.

In her evidence, the complainant told the court that the incident has left her traumatised and she is now fearful even to leave her house. Mr Dube was sentenced to life imprisonment, and he was declared unfit to possess a firearm. The court also ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Ms Ramkisson-Kara said the NPA welcomes the successful prosecution. She added that working together with their partners in law enforcement they will strive to turn the tide against gender-based violence.