District Commissioner for Alfred Nzo, Maj Gen Nompumelelo Majikijela commended the investigating officer for securing a life sentence for a rapist who committed his heinous crime in 2017.

On 02 December 20217 at about 02:00, the victim who was 20-yearold at the time, was on her way from a local tavern with her sister when she was accosted near the Alfred Nzo municipal offices by the accused persons. Her sister was at the time, walking ahead of her. The accused and his friend took the victim into the bushes where she was raped by both suspects at knifepoint. After her ordeal, one suspect walked with the victim and when she spotted a police vehicle, she flagged it down and reported the rape to the police.

The accused, Asanda Jamani, aged 30, was arrested. The second accused, Mthandazeli Mahamba, aged 33, was also arrested however before the finalisation of the case, he passed away.

On 20 September 2023, Jamani was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in the Mount Frere Regional court.

Maj Gen Maj
ikijela welcomed the sentencing and praised the investigating officer, Detective Const Lungiswa Nontwana from the Mount Ayliff Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, for his exceptional investigation. ‘Rape is one of the most abhorrent crimes that can be inflicted upon an individual, causing not only physical but also severe emotional and psychological trauma. Achieving justice in such cases is of utmost importance. This achievement goes beyond the courtroom; it sends a powerful message to survivors of sexual assault that they are not alone and that their voices are heard. It reaffirms our commitment to protecting the vulnerable and seeking justice for the oppressed,’ added Maj Gen Majikijela.

Source: South African Police Service