Friend sentenced for rape and kidnapping

DURBAN – On Monday, 22 November 2021, the Inkanyezi Regional Court sentenced Ntobeko Ali Magwaza (32) to 20 years imprisonment for two counts of rape and eight years imprisonment for two counts of kidnapping. Magwaza, who was friends with both victims, betrayed their trust and turned into a monster when he kidnapped and raped them.

 

The first incident took place on 25 June 2016 at King Dinuzulu Township in Eshowe when Magwaza requested his 21-year-old friend to accompany him to his place of residence to collect his jersey. Not knowing the accused had evil plans against her, the victim accompanied the accused. When they arrived at his home, he locked the door, assaulted the victim and dragged her into his bedroom where he raped her. The victim managed to escape through the window while Magwaza was asleep. She went to a nearby homestead and reported what happened.

 

The incident was reported to the Eshowe police and the docket was transferred to the Eshowe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for further investigation. When Magwaza heard that the police were looking for him he disappeared from the area and went into hiding.

 

In 2018, Magwaza came back into the area and raped another friend at her place of residence. On 15 December 2018 at 13:00, the 30-year-old victim, who was friends with the accused, met up with him on the road at King Dinuzulu Township in Eshowe. Magwaza took the victim’s house keys and when the victim demanded the keys back, Magwaza became aggressive and assaulted her. He instructed the victim to follow him to her place of residence where he raped her. After raping the victim he demanded food, while he was busy eating the food, the victim’s mother arrived at home. The accused escaped and went into hiding.

 

The Eshowe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit continued searching for the accused until the investigation led them to KwaGalagala where he was arrested and charged.

 

He made several court appearance until he was convicted and sentenced to 28 years imprisonment for two counts of rape and kidnapping.

 

Source: South African Police Service