DNA proof links man to murder, robberies and rape

DNA EVIDENCE has linked a man to a spate of armed robberies and rapes in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, police said yesterday.

Xolani Mpensela Thwala, 26, was sentenced by the High Court in Pietermaritzburg to 23 years in prison for murder, rape and robbery.

KwaZulu-Natal police said an incident occurred in the Hlathi area of Ekuvukeni during March 2011.

Police spokeswoman Colonel Thembeka Mbhele said a robbery was unfolding at a tuck shop where two armed men were holding up and robbing the owner and customers.

“A 19-year-old girl arrived at the tuck shop and was caught up in the robbery. When she realised what she had walked into she tried to escape, but was detained by a gun-wielding robber.

“A short while later, the man forcefully took her away from the premises. He raped her in a nearby donga and left her there.

“He returned to the scene of the robbery where he joined his accomplice. Before leaving they tried to abduct a young girl from the premises but the owner intervened.

“Lindani Mbatha, 33, was shot dead in front of his family.”

Investigation

Mbhele said the Ekuvukeni detectives began with the investigation into the murder and robbery while the rape case was assigned to Ladysmith Family Violence and Sexual Offences Unit.

Ladysmith detectives conducted raids in Ekuvukeni and arrested Thwala, who was wanted on an unrelated case in which the modus operandi was the same.

A forensic investigative lead later revealed that Thwala could be linked to eight cases of the same nature in Gauteng.

Mbhele said the results from the suspect’s DNA matched the DNA that was found in the sexual crime kit.

Thwala was charged with murder, robbery and rape and sentenced to an effective term of 23 years’ imprisonment.

Mbhele said officers from the Houghton police had charged the man for the other cases he had been sought for in Gauteng. He is still to stand trial.

KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner Major General Bheki Langa, praised the police for making sure they put the accused behind bars.

“This sentence will send a message to other criminals that we will trace and arrest them wherever they are hiding,” Langa said. – ANA