The high number of crimes against women, children and the vulnerable sounds a clarion call for everyone to join hands to unite and put an end to this social ill in our society.
Continuous intensified efforts must be created to ensure that the vulnerable groups are protected against cold and callous perpetrators. On 13 October 2021, a 28-year-old Kwazakele man was sent to prison for 25 years for three counts of rape, kidnapping, sexual assault and causing a child to witness a sexual offence. These incidents took place in Kwazakele between 2014 and 2019 when the female victims were aged between 7 and 12 years old.
The accused Mihlali Ngxinga resided in Nonzama Street, Kwazakele and his victims either resided in the same street or in the immediate vicinity. His modus operandi was to lure the children who were playing outside. He sent them to the shop and upon their return he would wait for them to enter his house where he will either rape or sexually assault them.
The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Gqeberha connected the suspect to four other cases after a 9 year old girl was admitted to hospital on the 18 June 2019. It was later established that the child was raped by Ngxinga and that he also targeted other victims that was known to her. A rape case was opened and four other victims were also traced.
On 26 June 2019, the accused was arrested and he remained in custody for the duration of the trial. He was found guilty on 14 April 2021 and on 13 October 2021 he was sentenced. He received a total of 75 years in prison for all the charges however some sentences ran concurrent to the others. Effectively he will serve 25 years in prison.
Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brig Thandiswa Kupiso welcomed the sentencing and commended the FCS unit and the prosecuting authority for ensuring that our children do not suffer abuse or exploitation at the hands of a disturbed and unstable man whom they trusted. “We need to bring an end to this scourge by dealing with these criminals decisively and without any compassion if we are to ensure that the rights of victims of gender based violence are protected and that our children can fully enjoy their childhood.”
Source: South African Police Service