Ex-Boyfriend Sentenced to 25-Years for Rape and Contravening a Protection Order

13 MARCH 2025

Ex-Boyfriend Sentenced to 25-Years for Rape and Contravening a Protection Order

The Nxuba (previously Cradock) Regional Court has sentenced Mbuyiseli Phakela (45), to 20 years imprisonment for the rape of his ex-girlfriend and mother of his children. The court sentenced him to an additional five years for contravening a protection order granted to the victim, which prohibited him from accosting, following, or threatening the victim with violence or assault.

The incident occurred in the Lingelihle location, Nxuba, on 13 January 2024, when Phakela forcefully took the victim to his home, where he sexually assaulted her after threatening her with violence. After the rape, while on her way to the police station, she met her aunt, to whom she reported what had happened. Phakela was arrested later on that day after the victim was taken to the Nxuba Thuthuzela Care Centre, where she received medical attention, counseling, and support.

Regional Court Prosecutor Makabongwe Seyibokwe led the evidence of the complainant and her aunt, who was the first reporter. In his defence, Phakela disputed the allegations, claiming he did not contravene the protection order, and that the victim accompanied him to his home voluntarily. The court ordered the five years to run concurrently with the 20-year sentence. In addition, it ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and the National Child Protection Register.

The Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, welcomed the sentence, stating that the conviction and sentence demonstrate the NPA's commitment to protecting victims of gender-based violence and holding perpetrators accountable. He commended the bravery of the victim and her family, who have endured unimaginable trauma and pain.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Eastern Cape Division
Tel: 047 501 2630
Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za