Three young rapists have been handed lengthy prison sentences for gang-raping three women and killing the boyfriend of one of the victims.
Sunday Sibiya, 26, Sibusiso Ncamu, 27, Jaja Luphoto, 20, and Phumlani Masoka, 20, were sentenced in the Bethal Regional Court.
Police spokesperson Captain Magonseni Nkosi said that during the sentencing hearing, it was revealed that one of the rape victims was six months pregnant at the time of the assault. One instance of the gang rape was also mentioned.
“According to information, two years ago, on Friday, June 17, 2022, the quartet stormed into a house where the rape victim was staying in Bethal. They assaulted the victim, who was visiting her partner at the time.
“The man, 25, is said to have tried to escape from the house, but was stabbed multiple times then succumbed to his injuries. His lifeless body was found lying in the pool of blood, next to a petrol station,” said Nkosi.
Nkosi further stated that the four walked back to the residence and took turns raping the victim.
“The matter was then reported to the police and a manhunt was launched in conjunction with a private security company.
“Through intelligence-driven information, four males were found to have been involved in the inhumane act. They were then arrested in Emzinoni near Bethal, the next day, Saturday, June 17, 2022.”
The investigation later revealed that the accused were involved in the crimes committed. When the sentence was handed down, both Sibiya and Ncamu were sentenced to three life terms for three counts of rape, 15 years for murder, 15 years for aggravated robbery, and four years for attempted murder.
The court also found Lephoto and Masoka guilty and sentenced them to 20 years each for all of their offences.
IOL