THREE LIFE TERMS PLUS 47 YEARS FOR MULTIPLE RAPES, KIDNAPPINGS, ROBBERY AND ASSAULT IN GQEBERHA AND LUSIKISIKI

31 October 2025

THREE LIFE TERMS PLUS 47 YEARS FOR MULTIPLE RAPES, KIDNAPPINGS, ROBBERY AND ASSAULT IN GQEBERHA AND LUSIKISIKI

The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, Gqeberha, has sentenced Malaziwe Enock Joja (44) to an effective life imprisonment for multiple counts of rape, kidnapping, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, housebreaking with intent to steal, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Joja committed these offences over a period spanning 2014 to 2016 in Gqeberha and Lusikisiki. On 13 January 2014, in KwaDwesi, Gqeberha, he kidnapped a nine-year-old girl, forcibly dragging her into secluded bushes and raping her. On 07 March 2015, he abducted and raped a 27-year-old woman, in Shubushuma Street, Veeplaas, Gqeberha. During this attack, he assaulted her with fists and a knife, causing multiple injuries, and forced her into a dark space between houses to carry out the rape. On 31 January 2016, in the Hombe Administrative Area, Lusikisiki, Joja broke into the home of a 15-year-old girl. He stole two cellphones at knifepoint, kidnapped her, and raped her in a nearby yard while threatening her with a knife. He also forced her to undress and comply with his demands under threat of serious harm.

He was arrested on 11 June 2024 in respect of the Lusikisiki case where buccal DNA samples were obtained linking him to the sexual offences. Advocate Shandre Grootboom represented the prosecution, which was finalised through a plea agreement under Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act, sparing the victims the trauma of testifying in court. DNA evidence recovered from the complainants linked the accused to the sexual assaults, corroborating his admissions. In sentencing, the court considered the aggravating factors, including the extreme vulnerability of the victims, the use of weapons and threats of violence, and the accused’s breach of his social responsibility as an adult and member of the community.

Joja, who has a history of convictions including murder, housebreaking, theft, and escaping lawful custody, was sentenced to three life terms for rape, alongside additional sentences for kidnapping, assault, housebreaking, and robbery, all of which run concurrently, making the effective sentence life imprisonment. He has been declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his name will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, welcomed the sentence and commended the work of the investigating officers and the prosecution team, stating, “The offences committed by Joja were appalling and targeted some of the most vulnerable members of our society. This sentence sends a clear message that sexual offenders will be held accountable, and the National Prosecuting Authority remains committed to protecting victims and ensuring justice is served.”

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

Regional Spokesperson

Eastern Cape Division

Tel: 047 501 2630

Cell: 073 555 9292

Email: : ltyali@npa.gov.za

Enquiries: Nokuthula Makupula Tel: 068 268 2473