Life sentence for rapist

Life sentence for rapist

The Ntuzuma Regional Court has sentenced Bonisile Cele (29), to life imprisonment life for the rape of a 30-year-old woman in the Inanda area in June 2022. On the day of the incident, the complainant was in the company of her friend when they were approached by Cele and another man.

The friend fled, leaving the complainant with the two men. Cele’s co-conspirator assaulted the complainant, and they took her to his home. There they raped her. She managed to escape and went to the police. She was taken to the Phoenix Thuthuzela Care Centre, where she received medical and psycho-social assistance. The men were tracked by police two months later. While Cele was arrested, his co-conspirator escaped and is still to be traced.

In court, Regional Court Prosecutor Lisa Abrahams led the testimonies of the complainant, her friend, and the doctor. Abrahams also submitted a Victim Impact Statement, compiled by the complainant, and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Princess Mlangeni. In her statement, the complainant said that the incident has left her with permanent mental and physical scars. She said that she is still traumatised and that Cele and his co-conspirator have ruined her life. Cele was sentenced accordingly, and the court declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

The NPA welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter. It is our mandate to protect the most vulnerable in society, namely women and children. We commend the work done by the prosecution and the police in securing the conviction.

Issued by,

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

NPA Regional Spokesperson

KZN Division