LIFE PLUS 15 YEARS FOR MDANTSANE MAN WHO RAPED AND ROBBED WOMAN

01 October 2025

LIFE PLUS 15 YEARS FOR MDANTSANE MAN WHO RAPED AND ROBBED WOMAN

Mdantsane, Eastern Cape: The Mdantsane Regional Court has sentenced Xolisani Nobompi (43) to life imprisonment plus 15 years for the rape and robbery with aggravating circumstances of a woman in Zone 03, Mdantsane. The incident occurred in the early hours of 24 November 2019, when the complainant was 38 years old.

What began as a night out with friends turned into a terrifying ordeal for the complainant and her husband. After leaving a lounge shortly after midnight, they were attacked by two unknown men who robbed them of their car keys, handbag, and cellphone. While the husband gave chase, the complainant was left stranded in an unfamiliar area. In shock, she decided to walk to the nearest police station to report the crime. Along the way, she met Nobompi, who initially pretended to assist her and was even given R20 as a token of thanks. Later, he reappeared with another man and lured her into a ditch, where they robbed her again and took turns raping her while a third man acted as lookout. A passer-by who had earlier seen the complainant with the accused later found her again, disoriented and distressed, and became her first witness. This witness helped her contact her family and reunite with her husband.

On 06 January 2020, while helping police trace suspects, the complainant spotted Nobompi in the same area and immediately alerted authorities. He was arrested on the spot, and DNA evidence later linked him directly to the rape. Despite delays in receiving DNA results and the accused’s attempts to stall proceedings, the State, led by Regional Court Prosecutor Mumtaz Shabudin, presented strong and consistent evidence from the complainant, her husband, and the first report witness. The court found them credible and convicted Nobompi, who had offered only a bare denial in his defence. The court sentenced him to life imprisonment for rape and 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, to run concurrently. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Welcoming the judgment, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, said: “This case highlights the traumatic ordeal faced by the complainant and her husband, who were first robbed and, later that same night, the complainant was brutally raped. The sentence sends a strong and clear message that crimes of this nature will be met with the full force of the law. We commend the bravery of the complainant in reliving these events in court, the professionalism of the investigating officer, and the dedication of Regional Court Prosecutor Mumtaz Shabudin, who led the evidence with skill and compassion. We also recognise the invaluable support of Court Preparation Officer Vuyelwa Beyaphi, whose guidance helped the complainant navigate the difficult court process.”

The National Prosecuting Authority remains committed to the fight against gender-based violence and to ensuring that survivors of such crimes receive justice. This case underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and prosecution teams in holding perpetrators accountable.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Eastern Cape Division

Tel: 047 501 2630

Cell: 073 555 9292

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za

Enquiries: nmakupula@npa.gov.za | 068 268 2473