The police management in Mpumalanga is elated over a hefty sentence meted against a serial rapist. The sentence was handed down on Wednesday, 02 December 2020, by the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court in Nelspruit.
The Court heard how Collen Fakude viciously pounced on his targets. In one of the incidents which occurred in 2017, he found the victim with her boyfriend waiting for a taxi at Ramalema near Bushbuckridge, where he threatened them with a firearm. He then forced them to move to the nearby bushes where he raped the victim whilst her boyfriend was watching. When he was done, he then took all their belongings and fled the scene. The police were notified about the matter where a case of rape with an additional charge of armed robbery was opened. The police investigated the matter and launched a manhunt for the suspect.
In February 2018, Fakude preyed on a victim who was driving on the road between Bushbuckridge and Graskop. Whilst still on her way, she saw another lady on the roadside near Injaka dam in Bushbuckridge being half-naked. She then stopped to assist her. Whilst still trying to understand what was going on, he (Fakude) suddenly appeared and pointed her with a firearm and forced her to drive to the nearby bushes and raped her. Fakude then robbed her of all her belongings and fled the scene. The matter was then brought to the attention of the police where a case of rape with an additional charge of armed robbery was opened.
In April 2018, he attacked a woman who was with her brother at the time. He then held them hostage at Gardee junction next to Injaka dam where he forced them to go to the nearby bushes and upon arrival, he raped the woman in front of her brother. Like his other victims, Fakude ended by robbing them of their belongings before fleeing the scene. The police were informed about the incident and a case of rape with an additional charge of armed robbery was opened.
The evil and lustful desires drove Fakude to bring terror to his victims and in October 2018, he attacked a woman who was with her boyfriend at Hlamalani Trust in Bushbuckridge. He pointed them with a firearm, forced them to drive to the nearest bushes and upon arrival, he raped the victim in front of her boyfriend. This matter too was reported to the police where a rape case was registered.
Police investigated all the cases and through forensic evidence, they discovered that there was a rapist who was roaming around the streets. It also appeared to the police that Fakude was once arrested, trialled and sentenced to 27 years imprisonment in 2003 by the Mhala Regional Court for rape, robbery and possession of unlicensed firearm. Further investigation revealed that the suspect wanted was Collen Fakude. However, it became clear to the team of investigators that this time around, Fakude had become a serial rapist.
The investigation team dug Faduke’s background and realised that he was out on parole in 2013 and that is when he got a chance to commit these crimes. Fakude was eventually arrested in September 2019 and was linked to the said cases. He then stood trial for his deeds.
The investigation team brought enough evidence in Court which proved that Fakude was the one who targeted the victims despite the fact that some were in the company of other males. The Court was satisfied with the overwhelming evidence that was brought against him and was ultimately found guilty hence his sentence as follows:
• Count 01 – rape, sentenced to two years imprisonment.
• Count 02 – robbery with aggravating circumstances, sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
• Count 03 – compelling a person who is 18 years and above to witness a sexual offence, sentenced to ten years imprisonment.
• Count 04 – robbery with aggravating circumstances, sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
• Count 05 – rape, sentenced to life imprisonment.
• Count 06 – rape, sentenced to life imprisonment.
• Count 07 – robbery with aggravating circumstances, sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
• Count 08 – compelling a person who is 18 years and above to witness a sexual offence, sentenced to ten years imprisonment.
• Count 09 – rape, sentenced to life imprisonment.
• Count 10 – robbery with aggravating circumstances, sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
• Count 11 – compelling a person who is 18 years and above to witness a sexual offence, sentenced to ten years imprisonment.
• Count 12 – possession of unlicensed firearm, sentenced to three years imprisonment.
• Count 13 – possession of ammunition, sentenced to one year imprisonment.
When handing down the sentence, the Judge indicated that all counts will run concurrently with the three life sentences meanwhile Fakude will continue to complete his 27 years sentence in prison until 2029, which implies that his parole has been revoked. The period that he will spend behind bars is 154 years plus the three life sentences.
The police management has also praised the team spirit and dedication displayed by the astute investigating members, the Prosecution as well as the Judiciary in ensuring that justice is served for the victims who suffered from the man’s barbaric acts.

Source: South African Police Service