LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPIST
The Madadeni Regional Court has sentenced Zenzele Buthelezi (46) to life imprisonment for the rape of a 26-year-old woman in October 2020. At the time, the woman was in a relationship with one of Buthelezi’s relatives. On the night of the incident he phoned her saying that his relative (her boyfriend) would be arriving home soon and that she should come over to their house. Upon her arrival there she discovered that her boyfriend was not around. Buthelezi told her to wait a while. After some time she decided to leave and he then attacked her.
He told her that she needs to repay him for all that his relative does for her, and hit her with an axe at the back of her head. He continued to assault and strangle her causing her to sustain multiple injuries on her body. He then raped her. He eventually released her when she tricked him by promising that she would return. He was arrested a few days later. The woman was taken to the Madadeni Thuthuzela Care Centre where she received medical and psycho-social assistance.
In court, Regional Court Prosecutor Nokubonga Prayer Samukelisiwe Buthelezi led the evidence of the woman. The prosecutor further submitted that Buthelezi had previously been convicted and sentenced for murder, and was out on parole when he committed the rape. The state submitted that he clearly had no regard for the rule of law.
He was sentenced accordingly.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter as it affirms our commitment to curbing the scourge of gender-based violence. We commend the work done by the Prosecution and SAPS.
