Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
22 September 2023
The Middelburg High Court has sentenced a convicted serial rapist Nkosinathi Mgidi (29), to life and additional 122 years direct imprisonment for the crimes he committed in Siyabuswa and surrounding areas.
Mgidi was found guilty of five counts of rape, four counts of kidnapping and two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Mgidi started his criminal career of frightening the community of Siyabuswa from February 2012 to January 2020.He would target his victims in their own homes, and some were accosted while walking on the street.
He threatened them with a knife during daylight, rape them and rob them of their belongings.
One of the victims was a minor when the rape ordeal happened.
In one of the incidents which happened in January 2020, Mgidi knocked at the neighbour’s door under the pretext of borrowing the umbrella.
When he was given it, he instructed the victim to go to the bedroom and rape her,He then tried to bundle her inside the large bag but failed.
Mgidi then took her to his place of residence and fled the scene with an amount of R110.
Mgidi continued with his criminal career until September 2020 and was re-arrested after raping the last victim who was able to identify him to the police. He was linked to other rape cases through DNA.
After his arrest it also transpired that he was arrested in 2012, for the rape of a minor and his matter was referred for a diversion program.
In court, Mgidi pleaded not guilty and claimed consent from all his victims. Senior State Advocate Bakedi Maoke led testimonies of the victims and first reports. Medical reports showing injuries the victims endured when the incident happened were presented.
This was supported by positive DNA results. Victims impact statements compiled by Court Preparation Officer Joseph Matlokwa detailing how the incidents negatively impacted on them were presented.
The victims detailed that since the ordeal happened, they have had panic attacks, are scared to walk on the street, are even humiliated and have lost their freedom.In arguing for a harsh sentence Advocate Maoke submitted to the court that the families and community of Siyabuswa are looking upon the court to impose a sentence that will send a clear message that violence against women and children will not be tolerated.
Maoke further told the court that the victims were exposed to sexually transmitted diseases as they were raped without using protection.
Judge Thando Mankge took all relevant factors and found no reasons to justify deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence. She sentenced the accused accordingly. The court further declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm.
The NPA welcomes the sentence imposed on the accused and hopes that this sentence will instill trust in the victim’s families and the community at large in the criminal justice system. It will also provide the accused the opportunity to introspect take accountability for his actions and be able to repent.
