NPA WELCOMES SENTENCE FOR SERIAL KIDNAPPER, RAPIST AND ROBBER

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Eastern Cape welcomes the effective 25-year sentence imposed by the High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, sitting in Gqeberha, against Siphosethu Maqoma (30), who was convicted on multiple serious offences, including kidnapping, rape, and robbery with aggravating circumstances. Realising the overwhelming evidence against him, Maqoma entered into a plea and sentence agreement in terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, in which he admitted guilt to all charges arising from a series of violent crimes committed over several years against multiple victims.

In his plea explanation, Maqoma admitted that on 23 July 2023, in Motherwell, he deprived a 21-year-old woman and her friend of their freedom of movement by forcing them to accompany him and an unknown accomplice to the back of the Motherwell Sports Centre, where he sexually violated the woman. In a separate incident on 27 September 2013 near the M17 in Swartkops, Maqoma, who was employed as a taxi conductor, together with an unknown accomplice who was a taxi driver, kidnapped another 21-year-old woman who had boarded the taxi while waiting for transport. The victim became alarmed after observing the vehicle take a route different from the one she had requested. She was forcibly prevented from leaving the vehicle, sexually violated by both perpetrators, and later kicked out of the taxi before they drove away.

On 03 June 2018, near New Brighton, Maqoma and two unknown accomplices robbed a 51-year-old man at gunpoint, stealing a cellular phone valued at R1 300 and a motor vehicle valued at approximately R75 000. Seven days later, SAPS members responded to a complaint relating to a vehicle being stripped in Vuku Street. Upon noticing police presence, Maqoma fled the scene but was pursued, apprehended, and arrested.

In another incident on 04 September 2018 near Mbobela Street, Zwide, Maqoma and his accomplices kidnapped a 27-year-old woman after pretending to assist her from a vehicle in which the occupants had allegedly demanded money from her. Under the guise of offering help, he and three unknown males drove off with the complainant, demanded that she perform oral sex on them, thereafter, sexually violated her, and robbed her of her cellular phone and other belongings.

The court convicted and sentenced Maqoma to six years’ imprisonment on each of three counts of kidnapping, 25 years’ imprisonment on each of three counts of rape, and 15 years’ imprisonment on each of two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, amounting to a cumulative sentence of 123 years’ imprisonment. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 25 years’ direct imprisonment.

The court further ordered that the Department of Correctional Services Parole Board notify the complainants when the accused becomes eligible for parole consideration. Maqoma was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, and the court ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Welcoming the sentence, Acting Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Samkelo Mtwana, said the sentence demonstrates the justice system’s firm response to violent sexual offences and crimes targeting vulnerable victims. He further acknowledged the work of State Advocate Ismat Cerfontein for her dedication and professionalism in ensuring a successful prosecution and securing justice for the complainants. The NPA reiterates its commitment to prosecuting serious violent and sexual offences without fear, favour, or prejudice, while continuing to advocate for a victim-centred justice system that prioritises.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

NPA Regional Spokesperson – Eastern Cape Division