MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE AND THEFT IN BELFAST
16 July 2025
MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE AND THEFT IN BELFAST
Belfast, Mpumalanga – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life imprisonment sentence handed down by the Belfast Regional Court to Kenneth Magagula (35) for the rape of a 43-year-old woman and theft of her cellphone on 28 October 2008 in Mthonjeni, Machadodorp.The court also imposed a three-year sentence for theft, to run concurrently with the life sentence, and ordered Magagula’s inclusion on the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm, underscoring the NPA’s resolute commitment to combating gender-based violence (GBV) and protecting victims.
On 28 October 2008, Magagula entered the victim’s home in Mthonjeni, Machadodorp, finding her alone. He demanded her cellphone, and when she resisted, he struck her with a stick. As the victim attempted to flee, Magagula forcibly dragged her back into the house, raped her, and fled with her cellphone. Despite not knowing her assailant, the victim promptly reported the incident to the South African Police Service. In 2023, police investigations traced the stolen cellphone to Magagula’s friend, and DNA evidence conclusively linked him to the rape, leading to his arrest.
Magagula pleaded not guilty, denying all allegations. State Prosecutor Mashinini presented compelling evidence, including the victim’s testimony identifying Magagula as the perpetrator, an eyewitness who saw him enter the victim’s home, and testimony from his friend found with the stolen cellphone. A J88 medical report confirmed injuries consistent with the assault, and DNA evidence further corroborated the rape. A Victim Impact Statement detailed the profound psychological trauma and enduring fear inflicted on the victim. The court deemed the state’s evidence credible, dismissing Magagula’s defence as implausible and convicting him of rape and theft.
In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Mashinini highlighted the gravity of the offence, noting that Magagula exploited the victim’s vulnerability by violating her in the sanctity of her home. He urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment for rape under Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997, emphasising the severe trauma inflicted. The court concurred, stating, “The accused’s predatory violation of a woman in her own home demands the harshest penalty to safeguard society.” Finding no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate, the court sentenced Magagula to life imprisonment for rape and three years for theft, to run concurrently, resulting in an effective life sentence. Additionally, the court-imposed firearm restrictions and ordered his inclusion on the National Register for Sex Offenders.
The NPA commends the victim’s bravery in reporting the crime, which, combined with meticulous police work, secured justice after 15 years. Mpumalanga Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Sonja Ntuli praised Prosecutor Mashinini and the investigating team, stating, “This life sentence affirms our relentless pursuit of GBV perpetrators, ensuring accountability and restoring dignity for victims, no matter how long it takes.” The NPA’s collaboration with Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) provided essential psychosocial support, reflecting its victim-centric approach. The NPA calls on communities to stay vigilant, report GBV immediately, and support survivors through TCCs, which provide medical, psychological, and legal assistance. This case underscores the power of persistent investigations and community cooperation in delivering justice. The NPA urges South Africans to unite against GBV, creating safe spaces where women’s constitutional rights to dignity and security are upheld, and perpetrators face the full force of the law.
Issued by:
Monica Nyuswa
NPA Regional Spokesperson DPP Mpumalanga
013 045 0625 / 076 485 5446