Butterworth Regional Magistrate’s Court convicted and sentenced a 32-year-old man, Mzwandile Nomevu for raping a 22-year-old woman, 5-year-old girl and attempted rape of another child. The accused was sentenced on Monday, 23 September 2019 to undergo life and 18 years imprisonment for rape and 10 years for attempted rape.

It is alleged that on the 21 May 2013 at about 20:40 the victim had a quarrel with her boyfriend at Bika Township, Butterworth. The accused person intervened to stop the quarrel and ended up accompanying the victim. Whilst on the way to the victim’s home the accused asked her if he could via his home and forced himself to her and raped her.

While the suspect was out on bail on 02nd January 2016 he raped a 5-year-old girl who was playing with other children. He called the child promising to give her cellphone and also attempted to rape another child.

Cases of rape and attempted rape were registered at Msobomvu Police Station. The cases were handed over to Butterworth Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) for further investigation. The accused was traced and later arrested.

Eastern Cape Police Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga has welcomed the conviction and sentence of the accused person. She appealed to women and children irrespective of gender to break the silence whenever they are abused.

Source: South African Police Service