Four life terms for Eastern Cape serial rapist

A 41-year-old Mlungisi man has been sentenced to four life terms for a series of rapes committed between June 2013 and October 2015, after DNA results linked him to all four cases.

An Eastern Cape man, 41, described as a serial rapist, has been sentenced to four life terms of direct imprisonment for a series of rapes committed between June 2013 and October 2015, after DNA results linked him to all four cases.

The sentence was imposed on Khaya Masiba, 41, of Mlungisi, by the Komani Regional Court last Friday.

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said Masiba’s crimes dated from June 2013, to October 2015.

In the first incident, the now 54-year-old victim was returning from a tavern at night when she was approached by her ex-boyfriend, Masiba, who grabbed her and dragged her to his shack, where he assaulted, stabbed and raped her.

“Masiba was arrested but the case was struck off the roll pending DNA laboratory results.”

In another incident, in March 2014, the now 41-year-old victim was had a quarrel with her husband while travelling in their car at Mlungisi.

“While she was approaching Mlungisi cemetery, she was accosted by two African males who dragged her to the cemetery and took turns in raping her.”

Mgolodela said the men then took her from the cemetery to a shack in Mlungisi, where one of them pleaded for forgiveness.

“The victim laid a rape charge at Mlungisi Police Station and investigations ensued.”

In August 2015, the now 41-year-old victim was on her way to Khayelitsha Location when four men confronted her on Bulawayo Street.

“The four males chased her and the victim managed to run to one of the yards close by.”

Police said one of the men continued the pursuit and caught up with her in the yard.

“He grabbed and dragged the victim out of the yard to the street where he strangled, undressed and raped her.”