On Friday 5 April, the High Court in Makhanda (Grahamstown) sentenced two men to life imprisonment for kidnapping and raping a woman, and robbing her and her partner. The incident took place outside Queenstown in October 2017.
SAPS spokesperson Sibongile Soci said the Judge handed down life imprisonment plus 50 years to Sinetemba Ntombayiteti (24). Asiphe Tshali was sentenced to undergo a life sentence plus 45 years. Both accused were convicted following their involvement in the October 2017 incident.
The couple were sitting in a vehicle on the N6 outside Queenstown. The two men accosted them, tied them up and drove their vehicle to a remote location.
They took the female victim away and both men raped her, leaving her partner tied up inside the vehicle. On their return, they left both victims at the site and fled with the vehicle.
The case of kidnapping, robbery and rape was assigned to Warrant Officer Ziphathe Songca, who within a short space of time arrested both accused. They remained in custody until the end of the trial.
Acting Cluster Commander Brigadier Pumla Mavuka welcomed the sentence and expressed her appreciation to the investigating officer and the National Prosecuting Authority.
“Results of this nature can only be achieved through teamwork, dedication and commitment,” Mavuka said. “Your thorough investigation has restored the faith of the community and, more important, the victims who have been grossly violated through this heinous crime.”
