Life behind bars for rapist who terrorised KZN community
An Ulundi man has been handed a hefty jail sentence for rape and house robbery after a violent three-month crime spree in Zululand.
Sthembiso Phakathi pleaded guilty to the charges in the Ulundi Regional Court recently.
It's understood that he and an accomplice, who's still on trial, had terrorised the local community for months in 2021, holding their victims at gun and knife points.
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The 42-year-old was sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment, plus 39 years behind bars.
KZN SAPS spokesperson Robert Netshiunda says the duo preyed on people in their homes and fled with their belongings.
"In one incident the duo forced entry, gang-raped a 34-year-old woman who was sleeping inside her house and robbed her of her belongings including money.
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"The matter was reported to Ulundi police and intensive investigations commenced. A dedicated task team was formed which lead to the arrest of the accused."
