Taxi owner gets 20 years after kidnapping, rape

A TAXI owner was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment by the Hartswater Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, after being found guilty of rape, attempted murder and kidnapping.

The complainant suffered severe injuries and remained in hospital for a week following the incident.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Mashay Gamieldien said the incident took place on August 23, 2012, after a 19-year-old woman left a local tavern with the accused, Sibusiso Mahlangu, 31.

"The two left in the taxi and when the woman realised that the accused was not driving in the direction of her home as promised, she jumped out. She was then run over by the accused, who then loaded her into the taxi and raped her," said Gamieldien.

She added that Mahlangu later dropped the woman off in Pampierstad and fled.

"The complainant managed to report the incident and was hospitalised for seven days as a result of the injuries she suffered."

Gamieldien added that following the incident, Mahlangu was arrested and released on bail but failed to appear in court.

"A warrant of arrest was issued and he was arrested in 2019 in Nelspruit. He remained in custody until his court appearance."

She indicated that Mahlangu was found guilty and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for rape, four years for kidnapping and six years for attempted murder.

The investigating officer, Sergeant Gloria Sehako, was commended by the Hartswater Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit commander, Captain Ferrelson, for her meticulous investigation of the case.

The provincial head of the FCS unit, Brigadier Nicky Mills, welcomed the sentence.