LIFE TERM FOR BITYI MAN WHO KIDNAPPED AND RAPED DISABLED WOMAN 

11 DECEMBER 2025 

LIFE TERM FOR BITYI MAN WHO KIDNAPPED AND RAPED DISABLED WOMAN 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence imposed by the Bityi Regional Court on Thamsanqa Kwanele Nhonho (31), who was convicted of housebreaking, kidnapping, and rape and sentenced to life imprisonment. On the night of 23 July 2025, at Kroza Location in the Sithebe Administrative Area, the 38-year-old complainant was asleep in her home when Nhonho forcefully entered by kicking open the locked door. Armed with a knife, he threatened to kill her and dragged her to his homestead, where he raped her twice. Despite the severe trauma she endured, the complainant reported the incident at the Bityi Police Station on 26 July 2025, leading to Nhonho’s arrest two days later. He was denied bail and remained in custody until his conviction and sentencing. 

During sentencing proceedings, State Prosecutor Anelisiwe Rwaxa emphasised the victim’s vulnerability she is disabled and walks with crutches and referred the court to S v Msimang and Another 2005 (1) SACR, which affirms that lengthy sentences serve both as a deterrent and as reassurance that the courts will protect victims of violent crime. Rwaxa led evidence from the complainant, the first report witness, and the medical examination (J88). The accused claimed the sexual acts were consensual, but the State successfully disproved this version. 

In delivering judgment, the court rejected the accused’s personal circumstances as “flimsy” and found no substantial or compelling factors to justify a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. 

Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, welcomed the outcome, stating: “Perpetrators of gender-based violence have no place in our society. It is imperative that they are put behind bars where they belong.” Nhonho’s name has been entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders, and he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. 

The NPA commends the unwavering dedication of the prosecution team and the investigating officers, whose efforts ensured that justice was served. This sentence underscores the commitment of the criminal justice system to protect vulnerable persons and uphold the rights and dignity of victims of gender-based violence. 

Issued by: 

Luxolo Tyali 

Regional Spokesperson

Eastern Cape Division 

National Prosecuting Authority 

Tel: 047 501 2630 

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za