Byline:Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
01 February 2025
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has welcomed the sentence handed down on 28 January 2026 against Khumbula Alfred Magubane (33), Nkosinathi Manana (34), Vusi Kleinboy Nhlapo (29), and Sibusiso Edward Namane (25) on charges of kidnapping and rape.
The court heard that on Sunday, 24 February 2019, a 37-year-old female victim was kidnapped by four unknown male suspects who had covered their heads with hoodies. It was alleged that the suspects grabbed the victim from behind, forcefully placed her into a vehicle, and drove away.
During the ordeal, the victim attempted to escape but was caught by the suspects. She was taken to an open field near a certain company where she was raped by all the suspects. Thereafter, the suspects drove to the Embalenhle area, where the victim was further raped by all the suspects inside a shack. As the suspects were allegedly planning to kill her, one of the perpetrators intervened and rescued the victim.
A case was subsequently opened and thoroughly investigated by the Secunda Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit , who worked tirelessly to ensure that all suspects involved were traced and apprehended. Through diligent investigation, all four suspects were positively linked to the case.
The accused were found guilty on 02 December 2025 and sentenced on 28 January 2026 in Evander Regional Court.
Count 1 Kidnapping 05 years
Count 2 Rape Life Imprisonment
Count 3 Rape Life Imprisonment
The court further declared all the convicted individuals unfit to possess a firearm and that their particulars be added in the National Register for Sex Offenders.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi commended the investigating officer for his dedication and perseverance, and reiterated SAPS’ commitment to protecting women and children and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has welcomed the sentence handed down on 28 January 2026 against Khumbula Alfred Magubane (33), Nkosinathi Manana (34), Vusi Kleinboy Nhlapo (29), and Sibusiso Edward Namane (25) on charges of kidnapping and rape.
The court heard that on Sunday, 24 February 2019, a 37-year-old female victim was kidnapped by four unknown male suspects who had covered their heads with hoodies. It was alleged that the suspects grabbed the victim from behind, forcefully placed her into a vehicle, and drove away.
During the ordeal, the victim attempted to escape but was caught by the suspects. She was taken to an open field near a certain company where she was raped by all the suspects. Thereafter, the suspects drove to the Embalenhle area, where the victim was further raped by all the suspects inside a shack. As the suspects were allegedly planning to kill her, one of the perpetrators intervened and rescued the victim.
A case was subsequently opened and thoroughly investigated by the Secunda Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit , who worked tirelessly to ensure that all suspects involved were traced and apprehended. Through diligent investigation, all four suspects were positively linked to the case.
The accused were found guilty on 02 December 2025 and sentenced on 28 January 2026 in Evander Regional Court.
Count 1 Kidnapping 05 years
Count 2 Rape Life Imprisonment
Count 3 Rape Life Imprisonment
The court further declared all the convicted individuals unfit to possess a firearm and that their particulars be added in the National Register for Sex Offenders.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi commended the investigating officer for his dedication and perseverance, and reiterated SAPS’ commitment to protecting women and children and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice.
