NPA SECURES 35 YEARS DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE AND ROBBERY OFFENDER

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured an effective 35-year direct imprisonment sentence against Themba Mazibuko (40) in the Madadeni Regional Court following his conviction on charges of rape and robbery with aggravating circumstances. The offences were committed in Newcastle in April 2013. Mazibuko and the complainant, an adult woman, were unknown to one another.

On the evening of 12 April 2013, the complainant was walking home after alighting from a taxi when Mazibuko accosted her. Armed with a knife, he forcibly took her to a secluded area where he raped her. He then robbed her of her cellphone and cash before fleeing the scene.

The complainant immediately reported the incident to her family and later to the police. She received medical treatment and psychosocial support at the Madadeni Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC), where forensic evidence, including DNA samples, was collected. Mazibuko initially evaded arrest and was apprehended in 2023 while in custody for an unrelated matter and was subsequently linked to the offence through DNA evidence.

In court, Prosecutor Nkululeko Innocent Shandu presented the testimony of the complainant, her brother as the first-report witness, and a medical doctor. The State also submitted a Victim Impact Statement facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Nokukhanya Alice Cele, detailing the profound and lasting impact the attack had on the complainant's life.

Upon conviction, Mazibuko was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment for rape and 20 years' imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances. The court ordered that the sentences run consecutively, resulting in an effective sentence of 35 years' direct imprisonment.

In addition, the court declared Mazibuko unfit to possess a firearm and ordered that his particulars be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

The NPA welcomes the sentence, which reflects the seriousness of these offences and affirms the justice system's commitment to holding perpetrators of sexual violence accountable.

The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to combating sexual offences and gender-based violence while ensuring justice and support for survivors. This commitment is reinforced through the continued expansion of the Thuthuzela Care Centre network, which has grown from 55 centres in 2020/21 to 66 centres nationwide. These centres provide integrated medical, legal, and psychosocial services to survivors of sexual violence and play a critical role in supporting victims while strengthening the successful prosecution of offenders.

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

NPA Regional Spokesperson

KwaZulu-Natal Division