FOUR LIFE TERMS PLUS 42 YEARS FOR SERIAL RAPIST TAXI CONDUCTOR

 06 August 2025

FOUR LIFE TERMS PLUS 42 YEARS FOR SERIAL RAPIST TAXI CONDUCTOR

Gqeberha, Eastern Cape - The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, Gqeberha, has sentenced taxi conductor, Thembelani Mrwetyana (26), to four life terms for rape, two terms of 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, and two terms of six years for kidnapping. The sentences relate to two separate incidents in which Mrwetyana and a co-perpetrator used a taxi to lure unsuspecting women, whom they then robbed and raped.

On the morning of 08 October 2021, the first complainant boarded a taxi in Gqeberha. After all other passengers had disembarked, she was left alone with the driver and Mrwetyana, who was the conductor. When she asked to be dropped off, the driver refused to stop. Mrwetyana strangled her and forced her head between the front seats. The driver threatened her with a sharp object while Mrwetyana held her down. They drove to a remote location where the driver retrieved condoms from the dashboard. Despite the complainant’s desperate pleas not to be harmed, the driver cut off her clothing with a knife and raped her. Mrwetyana then also raped her without using protection. After stealing her belongings, they abandoned her. She managed to reach a nearby road, flagged down a police van, and was taken to a police station to report the crime.

On 27 November 2021, the second complainant was on her way to work when she boarded a taxi in the rain. Mrwetyana and the driver were the only other occupants. Instead of heading to her destination, the driver took the freeway. Mrwetyana jumped into the back seat, blindfolded her, and they both raped her. They dropped her off in a busy area and instructed her to run. Her belongings, including her phone, ID, bank cards, keys, and work items, were stolen.

Mrwetyana was convicted in 2023 for kidnapping, rape, sexual intimidation, and robbery with aggravating circumstances, committed in May 2022. He was linked to the two rapes committed in 2021 through DNA samples obtained during the 2022 investigation. He is already serving a 20-year-sentence for the 2023 conviction. His accomplice in the 2021 attacks remains at large, and the public is encouraged to assist in his arrest by contacting the police.

The State, represented by Senior State Advocate Ismat Cerfontein, and the defence entered into a plea and sentence agreement. Both victims submitted victim impact reports detailing the profound effects the ordeal had on their lives. Delivering the sentence, the judge emphasised the severe impact the crimes had on the victims and accepted the sentences in the agreement to be appropriate under the circumstances. The court ordered that his sentences run concurrently and further declared Mrwetyana unfit to possess a firearm.

Welcoming the sentence, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, said the use of DNA evidence in linking Mrwetyana to these horrific offences demonstrates the critical role forensic science continues to play in solving crimes and securing convictions. The NPA remains steadfast in combating gender-based violence and ensuring justice for survivors through unwavering collaboration and commitment.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

Regional Spokesperson

Eastern Cape Division

National Prosecuting Authority

Tel: 047 501 2630

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za

Enquiries: nmakupula@npa.gov.za | 068 268 2473