Pic: Rapist, Simphiwe Xolani Mkhwanazi sentenced to life behind bars
By Kopano Dibakwane
Simphiwe Xolani Mkhwanazi (22) who reportedly terrorised women in Amersfoort for two years will spend the rest of his life in prison after the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, which was sitting in Amersfoort handed down multiple life sentences.
The conviction and sentencing reportedly stem from a series of serious and violent crimes committed by Mkhwanazi for two years, between 2021 and 2023, in the Amersfoort Policing area. The heinous crimes
include kidnapping, rape, murder, defeating and/or obstructing the administration of justice, robbery with aggravating circumstances,
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Mpho Monyane-Mpe, evidence presented before the court revealed that on 31 July 2021, two females were walking near a place called China Section when he (Simphiwe Xolani Mkhwanazi) approached them, armed with a knife.
“ He robbed them of their personal belongings, including a cell phone, cash and footwear. The accused then forcibly took one of the victims to a nearby rock where he raped her. A case was opened and the investigation was conducted by members of the FCS(Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences) Unit,” said Nonyane-Mpe.
In another incident on 17 August 2021, the same man forcefully entered a certain residence during the early hours of the morning, armed with a knife, threatened family members before taking one female to another room and raped her in the presence of her family members.
“ On 10 June 2023, a certain female returned home after visiting a local tavern with a friend. Shortly after entering her residence, she was attacked by Simphiwe Xolani Mkhwanazi together with other unidentified males. The victim was forcibly taken out of her home, to an abandoned house then sadly raped,” said Nonyane-Mpe.
Count 1 (Kidnapping): Five years imprisonment, Count 2 (Rape): 20 years imprisonment, Count 3 (Murder): Life imprisonment, Count 4 (Defeating or obstructing the administration of Justice): Five years imprisonment, Count 5 (Rape): Life imprisonment, Count 6 (Kidnapping): Five years imprisonment, Count 7 (Rape): Fifteen years imprisonment, Count 8 (Robbery with aggravating circumstances): 20 years imprisonment, Count 9 (Rape): 15 years imprisonment, Count 10 (Robbery with aggravating circumstances): 20 years imprisonment
His name will reportedly be entered into the South African National Register for Sex Offenders and declared unfit to work with children.
The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner in Mpumalanga, Major-General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has welcomed the sentencing, further commending the Investigation team, the Prosecution team and the Judiciary.
“ We hope that this sentence will send a strong message that perpetrators of violent crimes, particularly those committed against women and vulnerable members of society, will face the full might of the law. The SAPS remains committed to combating Gender-Based-Violence and Femicide wherever it raises its ugly head, ” said General Mkhwanazi.
