PARKTOWN – Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng remain resolute in fighting the scourge of crime against women, children and vulnerable persons. It is on this basis that Provincial Commissioner of police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela welcomed the recent lengthy sentence achieved by a detective from Katlehong Family, Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit.

On Thursday, 02 June 2022 the Vosloorus Magistrates’ court sentenced 25-year-old Nhlanhla Sibiya to two life terms and an additional 42 years’ imprisonment after he was found guilty for rape, attempted murder and kidnapping.

In the early hours of Sunday, 28 July 2019 members of SAPS Vosloorus were out on a routine patrol when they noticed a suspicious looking taxi which was parked on the side of the road with two occupants. The male occupant; Sibiya immediately alighted from the vehicle when he noticed the police. Sibiya told the members that he was having intercourse with his “girlfriend” in the taxi, but the woman indicated that she was raped. Sibiya tried to evade his arrest, but was swiftly apprehended by the members.

The 20-year-old victim and her male cousin were walking home when Sibiya hit them with his taxi; both sustained injuries. Sibiya offered to take the woman to hospital, but instead raped her twice in different locations in Vosloorus before he was arrested.

The case was assigned to Sergeant Zininzi Vamba, a detective from Katlehong FCS unit, for further investigation. Vamba meticulously collected all the evidence which resulted in a solid case against the accused in court.

Sibiya stood trial on two counts of rape, three counts of attempted murder and one count of kidnapping.

"It is a top priority for the SAPS to ensure the citizens of this country are safe and feel safe. Quality investigation and work ethic displayed by our members will restore the communities' faith in the police," said Lt Gen Mawela.

Source: South African Police Service