Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo

30 April 2024

The Secunda Sexual Offences Court convicted and sentenced Enock Mbongo (55), to life and three years’ imprisonment for rape and common robbery which happened in eMbalenhle Township.

On 4 June 2022, the minor victim was on her way to meet up with her friends on the main street when she came across the accused who misled her and took her to a secluded area.

On their way, they had a mini conversation and when they approached the path leading to the man-made bridge, the accused grabbed the victim from behind closed her mouth and raped her. He then robbed her of her money and cellphone.

The victim reported the incident to her mother and the police. Later on, the victim saw the accused walking on the street and took a picture as she initially did not know him.

The accused was arrested and in court, he presented an alibi that he was in Kwaggafontein when the incident happened and not in Mbalenhle.

The State presented by Prosecutor Brilliant Khoza, relied on circumstantial evidence. In testimony of the first report, the complainant who was able to describe the accused as a perpetrator by his teeth, voice and complexion was led.

Photographs of the accused taken by the victim were admitted and a medical report was presented.

The court found the testimonies of the state witnesses trustworthy and reliable, and the accused was convicted on both counts.

Prosecutor Khoza addressed the court about the prevalence of gender-based violence in the country and further told the court to consider the accused’s criminal record where he was convicted and sentenced for a similar offence when sentencing the accused.

The court found no substantial and compelling reasons to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life. The accused was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and three years for common robbery.

The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the sentence and applauds the sterling work of the Court Preparation Officer who played an integral part in empowering the complainant about court processes which led to the conviction and sentence.” Our commitment and co-operation are yielding fruits in curbing crimes directed to women and children”.