UITENHAGE - JUSTICE SERVED AS 2 KWANOBUHLE RAPISTS GET HARSH SENTENCING FOR THEIR CRIMES

Crimes against women and children are a priority for the South African Police Service and convictions and lengthy sentences meted out by our courts are as a result of thorough investigations conducted by our detectives.  Detective Sergeant Sake Msutwana from the Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit in Uitenhage secured harsh sentences for two accused who were convicted and sentenced for rape, during last week, in the Uitenhage Regional Court.

On Sunday, 16 August 2009, a (then) 24-year-old female victim was walking along Sarili Street, Kwanobuhle at midnight with another male friend, when they were approached by another male.  The female victim was assaulted, stabbed multiple times and raped by a (then) 20-year-old male suspect.  Community members saw what happened and came to her rescue and apprehended the suspect and handed him over to the police.  After a lengthy trial the accused was found guilty and on Friday, 17 March 2017, the Uitenhage Regional Court sentenced the accused, Mbulelo Plaatjies (27) to 15-years direct imprisonment for the rape of the victim.

In the second case, a (then) six-year-old victim was lured by the suspect to a house in Gilikingci Crescent, Kwanobuhle at about 11:10 on Friday, 10 August 2012, where the suspect raped the child.  The matter was reported to the mother of the child and a case was registered soon afterwards.  The suspect was arrested on 23 August 2012 and after a lengthy trial the accused, Sithethi Ngcenge (40) was found guilty and sentenced to 12-years imprisonment by the Uitenhage Regional Court on Thursday, 16 March 2017.

The acting Uitenhage Cluster Commander, Brigadier Ronald Koll commended the investigating officer in the cases and said: “The SAPS is committed to protecting women, children and vulnerable groups and bringing the perpetrators of such crimes before the courts.  We are appreciative of the dedication of our detectives and the sterling efforts of the prosecuting authority in ensuring convictions in court.  We ask that all community members be vigilant and report any suspicious or criminal activities to the police”.

VIA - saps