| 2024/05/04 |
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Media Statement EASTERN CAPE – Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene has applauded the 8 life term and a total of 162 years imprisonment imposed on a serial rapist in the Mthatha High court on 2 May 2024. She also applauded the excellent investigation skills of the investigating officer, D/Sgt Ndileka Bokolo from the Provincial Head Office Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation- SECI) for ensuring justice for the victims and a lengthy incarceration of the accused. The unremorseful and shameless reign of the accused, Xolani Gcelu(35) started in 2016 where he deviously exploited young women by breaking into their homes as well as committing crimes such as kidnapping, common robbery, robbery with aggravating circumstances and rape. The accused was positively linked through DNA to 8 cases of rape in the Tsolo and Libode areas. He was arrested in July 2019, but the case was provisionally withdrawn pending the DNA results. In September 2022 he was re-arrested in the Western Cape and remained in custody until the finalisation of the cases. In April 2024, he was found guilty on all of his 34 charges ranging from housebreaking with intent to commit offence, kidnapping, common robbery, robbery with aggravating circumstances, rape, compelled rape, assault with intent to grievous bodily harm and attempted murder. During his criminal tenure, he raped 8 women, aged 18-27 years old including 5 school girls. One learner even fell pregnant with his son. He was unknown to all of the victims. On 2 May 2024, he was sentenced to 8 life term imprisonment and 162 years. All the other sentences will run concurrent with the 8 life sentences. Lt Gen Mene has praised the outstanding investigation of D/Sgt Ndileka Bokolo for ensuring justice for the victims and a lengthy imprisonment for the accused. ’The sentencing of 8 life terms for this serial rapist highlights the severity of his heinous crimes. Justice has been served, sending a clear message that such abhorrent acts will not be tolerated and those who seek to inflict harm on the vulnerable, will be arrested and held accountable for their actions. We are appreciative of the dedication of our detectives who tirelessly pursued and gave attention to every detail of the case as well as the sterling efforts of the prosecuting authority in ensuring convictions in court,’ added Lt Gen Mene. End
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