A Rapist And House Robber Is Sentenced To 123 Years Imprisonment

Today, the Pietermaritzburg High Court (sitting in Scottburgh), sentenced Sanele Siyabonga Mbuso Sotobe Sibiya (37), to 123 years imprisonment, following his conviction on a string of offences including housebreaking, theft, robbery, attempted rape, rape and attempted murder.

The accused committed the offences in the Southport area of Port Shepstone, between March 2021, and February 2022. The victims were either in their homes, on their way home or on their way to work when he attacked them, armed with a firearm. He stole the victim’s cellphones, and in the housebreaking count, he stole laptops, wallets, cash and luggage cases while the victims were asleep. He was arrested after he dropped his cellphone, at one of the crime scenes and was traced in this way. In court, State Adv. Dan Magwaza handed in Victim Impact Statements, compiled by some of the victims and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Khanya Mkhize. The victims said that their experience has left them traumatised and they fear for their lives.                                                                                                                 

While Sibiya was collectively sentenced to 123 years imprisonment, he will serve an effective sentence of 35 years, as some sentences were ordered to run concurrently. The court ordered that he should only be eligible for parole after serving 20 years of his sentence.

The NPA welcomes this successful prosecution and we commend the work done by the Prosecution and Police.

Note: The NPA’s media statements are available on the website: www.npa.gov.za

Issued by

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

NPA Regional Spokesperson

KZN Division

Enquiries: nramkisson@npa.gov.za / 0716700229