| 2024/10/04 |
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Media Statement GQEBERHA – Nelson Mandela Bay District Commander Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata welcomed the sentencing of the two rapists, Mfundisi Mandilake (29) and Zolani Valindlela (36) who were handed a life term imprisonment sentence each in the Gqeberha Regional court on Wednesday, 2 October 2024 for the kidnapping and rape that they committed during April 2022. The female victim (36) was walking home from a tavern in Walmer location when she met the two accused known to her. Both suspects forced her to accompany them to their shack. They threatened to slit her neck with a knife it she doesn’t cooperate with them. At the shack both suspects took turns to rape the victim repeatedly. Early in the morning the victim told the accused she will go and buy alcohol for them; they allowed her to leave and that was how she managed to escape. She reported the rape at SAPS Walmer. On Wednesday 02 October 2024 the Regional Court found both accused guilty of rape and kidnapping and they were sentenced as follows: Accused Mandilakhe Mfundisi; Count 1 Kidnapping, 5 years’ imprisonment, count 2 and 3 rape, life imprisonment. Count 1 to run concurrently with count 2 & 3. Accused’s name to be placed in the Sexual Offences Register. Accused Vulindlela Zolani; Count 1 Kidnapping, 5 years imprisonment. Count 4 rape life imprisonment. Count 1 to run concurrently with count 4. Accused’s name to be placed in the Sexual Offences Register. Maj Gen Ncata extended his congratulations to the investigating officer Sgt Ramasela Masemola and Const Xolisa Khedama, from the Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for their dedication in bringing these dangerous criminals to justice. ‘The exemplary investigation not only led to a successful conviction but also reinforced the community’s trust in the effectiveness of our investigations. The sentencing of Mfundisi Mandilake (29) and Zolani Valindlela (36) marks a significant victory in the ongoing fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV). GBV remains one of the most pervasive and persistent challenges facing our society today. This sentencing serves as a strong message that such atrocious acts of violence, particularly those targeting women, will not be tolerated in society,’ added Maj Gen Ncata. Ends
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