Tembisa man sentenced to life imprisonment for rape
Tembisa man sentenced to life imprisonment for rape
The Tembisa Magistrates’ Court sentenced 33-year-old, Thomas Monyai to life imprisonment on a charge of rape,15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and another five years for kidnapping.
The complainant and the accused met on Facebook and started dating. The accused introduced himself to the complainant as Tumelo through a fake profile he created to lure her. Few months after the relationship started, the complainant received an invite for a job interview at Kempton Park. The complainant did not hesitate to inform Monyai about the interview and he suggested that she can stay at his place overnight. On 02 September 2021 the complainant boarded a taxi from Polokwane to Gauteng. Since the complainant was visiting Tembisa for the first time, the accused communicated with her throughout the journey and told her where she was supposed to get off. When the complainant arrived at the destination, the accused, still under false pretense told her that he is still at work and will send someone to pick her up.
The accused arrived at the destination, wearing a cap and a mask which was a requirement for covid regulations. Unbeknown to the complainant that the person picking her up was the boyfriend she was speaking to on Facebook. The accused told the complainant that he was sent by Tumelo to pick her up. Along the way the accused and complainant passed by a certain shack and the accused dropped his backpack as he was coming from work when he fetched the complainant. Monyai and the complainant continued walking and when they arrived at some veld, he took out a knife threatening the complainant. The accused proceeded to tie the complainant’s hands, and blindfolded her, he then raped her several times. Monyai took the complainant’s cellphone and her bag which contained her belongings, leaving her at the veld.
The complainant managed to untie herself and found help from a security guard who was on duty. The police were called, and she informed them what had happened and asked that they go with her to where the taxi dropped her off. She was able to trace the way which they had walked, she also took them to the shack where she had passed by with the accused to drop his backpack. Upon arrival at the shack the police found the accused and apprehended him.The complainant was then taken to the Tembisa Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) for counselling and medical attention.The TCC provided continuous therapeutic services to the complainant in preparation for trial.
The NPA extends its gratitude to state prosecutor Manavhela Poo and investigating officer Sergeant Tshirindza for ensuring that Monyai is held accountable for his crimes. We also thank the TCC staff for their role in ensuring that the complainant receives timeous medical care and psychological support to tell her ordeal in court.
Issued by:
Phindi Mjonondwane
NPA Regional Spokesperson- Gauteng Local Division
0834024787/0112204245