The bravery and determination of a rape survivor has resulted in her rapist being sentenced to more than three life terms imprisonment.
Themba Ngobeni, 38, was sentenced in the Ntuzuma Regional Court on Thursday August 31.
The woman who helped identify him, had been accosted by her rapist in Inanda where he threatened to kill her with a knife before dragging her into the nearby bushes where he brutally and repeatedly raped her.
After the rape Ngobeni fled the scene, but the woman, in pain and bleeding from the brutal attack, was determined to find out who her rapist was, said National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara.
“The woman said she followed the man to a tavern where she enquired from patrons about his name and where he lived,” said Ms Ramkisson-Kara.
“She then contacted the police and reported the case. A DNA test linked Mr Ngobeni to another case of rape. Both women were taken to the Phoenix Thuthuzela Care Centre where they received medical and psycho-social assistance.”
The Ntuzuma Regional Court has sentenced Mr Ngobeni to three terms of life and 15 years imprisonment for the rapes he committed in the Inanda area. Regional Court Prosecutor Naushaad Harripersadh submitted victim impact statements compiled by the women and facilitated by court preparation officer, Senziwe Mthethwa.
“One complainant said she has not recovered from the rape and lives in fear that Ngobeni might return. She had to give up her job, for fear of being in public and being raped again. The other woman said she was still in disbelief over what had happened. The court also declared Ngobeni unfit to possess a firearm,” said Mr Harripersadh.
Ms Ramkisson-Kara said the NPA commends the work done by the prosecution and the police and that they hope that sentences of this nature will deter like-minded individuals.
