Siyabonga Solani of Orange Grove East London was sentenced to 20 years for rape and 12 years for murder by the East London High court on Friday. Sentence counts are to run concurrently.
The incident took place on March 6, 2010 where he raped a 32 year old woman at the Orange Grove Informal settlement. Evidence was heard how he met the victim on the road, dragged her to nearby bushes. raped and assaulted her. She later died in hospital from injuries.
On passing sentence Judge Yusuf Ibrahim took into account both the circumstances of the accused and those of the victim. He said that even though evidence was led about how the accused was under the influence of liquor during the crime he too showed remorse and assisted the police by admitting to the crimes he committed.
Nevertheless the State also has an obligation to protect the rights of all woman to privacy and dignity. “We are a free society and women must thus feel safe to walk the streets without fearing people like you" the judge said.
The judge further concluded, “Even though Siyabonga (perpetrator) was raised by a grandmother because his parents were not married and he left school while he was very young and could not continue with his education, there were many children in our country who find themselves in similar situations therefore his situation is not an excuse to commit the crimes he indeed did."
He also said the accused was a person who can be rehabilitated as demonstrated through the social workers report. Consequently, to pass a life sentence which is the minimum on rape would forbid the accused from getting a second chance.
"But you have not only took the life of the victim but caused the victims child to be affected and be placed in the same situation you went through whilst growing up without parents to take care of you" said the judge.
Members of the investigation team are congratulated with the preparation of a solid case against the accused. Their dedication in ensuring that justice is served is indicative of the commitment by many thousands of police officers who relentlessly persist against all odds to protect the rights of women and children.
Enquiries:
Colonel Mtati Tana
Cell 0823017593
Fax 043-7090564
E-Mail: elareacommunic@saps.org.za
Man sentenced to 32 years for rape and murder
