Man sentenced to life for rape and robbery
The offences were committed in April 2023 against two complainants, a male and a female colleague, who were unknown to the accused.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the effective sentence of life imprisonment imposed by the Vryheid Regional Court on Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi (29) following his guilty plea to one count of rape and two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The offences were committed in April 2023 against two complainants, a male and a female colleague, who were unknown to the accused.
On their way to work, the complainants were accosted by three men, including Mkhwanazi. Armed with a firearm and knives, the perpetrators robbed the complainants of their personal belongings before raping the female complainant. They subsequently fled the scene.
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The complainants were taken to hospital for medical treatment, and the incident was reported to the police.
As the perpetrators were unknown to the complainants, the suspects initially remained unidentified and at large. However, in 2025, Mkhwanazi was arrested in connection with an unrelated matter, and a DNA sample obtained at that time linked him to the April 2023 rape.
Regional spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, said, “In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Kwazikwakhe Sibiya presented medical evidence and a DNA report that positively linked Mkhwanazi to the rape. The state also submitted Victim Impact Statements (VIS) from both complainants, facilitated by court preparation officer, Bheki Hopewell Sithole.”
In their statements, both complainants described the lasting emotional and psychological impact of the crime, including ongoing trauma and flashbacks. The female complainant further explained that she had been subjected to ridicule and ostracism within her community because of the rape.
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Mkhwanazi was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment on each count of robbery with aggravating circumstances and life imprisonment for rape. The sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of life imprisonment.
In addition, the court declared Mkhwanazi unfit to possess a firearm and ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
