RAPIST SENTENCED TO EIGHT LIFE TERMS FOR CRIMES COMMITTED IN 2010
15 May 2025
RAPIST SENTENCED TO EIGHT LIFE TERMS FOR CRIMES COMMITTED IN 2010
The High Court of Gqeberha, Eastern Cape Division has sentenced Moses Gqesha (45) to life imprisonment on eight counts of rape, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, ten years for kidnapping, five years for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and four years for theft. The crimes, committed in December 2010, involved the kidnapping, assault, and repeated rape of Gender-Based Violence activist and businesswoman Andisiwe “Andy” Kawa at King’s Beach, Summerstrand.
Kawa had gone for a walk when she noticed Gqesha behaving suspiciously. After briefly losing sight of him, he suddenly reappeared and chased her down. He assaulted her, robbed her of valuables including a diamond ring, sunglasses and a cellphone, and then threatened her with a knife and a broken beer bottle.
He forced her to accompany him to a secluded spot and proceeded to rape her multiple times throughout the night. The survivor managed to escape the following morning and immediately reported the matter to the police. A medical examination was conducted, and forensic samples were collected. Gqesha was only arrested in 2020 following his involvement in an unrelated theft case, where his DNA was taken and later linked to the samples collected in the 2010 incident.
Arguing for an appropriate sentence, Senior State Advocate Ismat Cerfontein highlighted the severity of the crimes and the long-lasting trauma suffered by the survivor.
She emphasised the premeditated and violent nature of the offences, as well as Gqesha’s previous convictions for housebreaking, theft, and possession of drugs, dating back as far as 1993. Despite overwhelming forensic and testimonial evidence, Gqesha denied all allegations except the theft, to which he pleaded guilty. The court found his version of events to be wholly untruthful and convicted him on all twelve counts.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the Eastern Cape, Mr Barry Madolo, has welcomed the sentence, stating: “This sentence affirms our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice for victims of gender-based violence, regardless of how much time has passed. It sends a strong message that crimes of this nature will not go unpunished and that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with perpetrators.
The National Prosecuting Authority remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to hold perpetrators accountable and to support survivors of such heinous crimes. We acknowledge the profound and lasting impact GBVF has on individuals, families, and communities, and we are determined to play our part in restoring trust in the criminal justice system.
As part of our strategic response to the national GBVF crisis, we are committed to victim-centred justice, the strengthening of Thuthuzela Care Centres, improving prosecution-led investigations, and ensuring that survivors are treated with dignity, sensitivity, and respect throughout the legal process. This outcome is a testament to the tireless work of our prosecutors, investigators, and support staff, and it reinforces our collective resolve to ensure that justice is served, especially for the most vulnerable in our society.
Issued by:
Luxolo Tyali
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Eastern Cape Division
Tel: 047 501 2630
Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za
Cell: 073 555 9292
Enquiries: nmakupula@npa.gov.za / 0682682473