LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPIST

17 OCTOBER 2025

LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPIST

The Newcastle Regional Court has sentenced Samkelo Mdluli (34) to life imprisonment for the rape of a woman in May 2025. The complainant and Mdluli were not known to each other.

In the early hours of the morning of the offence, the complainant was sleeping alone at her employer’s house (as her employer was out of town) when she heard someone tampering with a window. She woke up and went to see what had happened, when she noticed Mdluli standing in the kitchen, carrying a bush knife. He ordered her to undress and raped her. He threatened to kill her if she resisted.

At some point, the complainant saw a herd boy passing by and screamed for assistance, causing Mdluli to flee. The herd boy recognised Mdluli from the area and advised community members who he was. Mdluli he was subsequently arrested. The complainant was taken to a nearby clinic for medical assistance.

In court, Mdluli denied the allegations, claiming that he was in a relationship with the complainant and that the sexual intercourse was consensual. However, during cross examination by Prosecutor Jabulile Nomfundo Zondi Mdluli failed to answer many of the state’s questions, including why he had visited the complainant with a knife and how he was communicating with the complainant, since he did not know any of her details.

The court also heard that the complainant had suffered injuries during her ordeal and that she has not returned to work following the incident. Mdluli was sentenced accordingly and declared unfit to possess a firearm. The NPA remains committed to pursuing justice for the victims of crime. Curbing the scourge of gender- based violence remains an organisational priority.

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

NPA Regional Spokesperson

KZN Division

0716700229