LIFE SENTENCE FOR RAPIST

26 SEPTEMBER 2025

LIFE SENTENCE FOR RAPIST

The Nkandla Regional Court has sentenced Nkanyiso Mbambo (31), to life imprisonment for the rape of a 17-year-old girl in the Nkandla area in January 2022.

The complainant was walking from school when she was accosted by Mbambo. He threatened her with a knife and raped her before fleeing the scene. They were not known to each other. The complainant went home and reported the incident to her family. They opened a case at the police station, and she was taken to a hospital for a medical examination where DNA evidence was taken from her. This DNA evidence eventually linked Mbambo to the rape, as he was in custody for another matter. In court, Prosecutor Philile Shilenge led the testimonies of the complainant and the first report. The DNA evidence linking Mbambo and the evidence of the doctor who examined the complainant, further bolstered the state’s case. Ms. Shilenge also submitted a Victim Impact Statement, compiled by the complainant, and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Amanda Pretty Nxumalo.

In the statement the complainant said that the incident has severely traumatised her, she is always angry and untrusting of men. She said that she used to be a happy and jovial person but now she is withdrawn and embarrassed by what has happened to her. In addition to the life sentence, Mbambo was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and the court ordered that his name is entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

The NPA welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter and is committed to pursuing justice for the victims of crime. Curbing the scourge of sexual offences and gender-based violence remains an organisational priority.

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

NPA Regional Spokesperson

KZN Division

0716700229