Life sentences for men who gang-raped KZN hitchhiker

Please be advised the following story may be triggering for some readers as it involves sexual violence.

Njabulo Hadebe, Sanele Ndwandwe, Bhekumuzi Mdluli and Manqoba Madela were also convicted of kidnapping and robbery by the Madadeni Regional Court. 

Authorities say the 33-year-old survivor, who was with her friend, was offered a lift from Newcastle to Madadeni by the four men.

KZN NPA spokesperson Natasha Kara says they also robbed her of her cellphone, tablet and cash before dropping her off.

The rapists were arrested with the help of the friend, who had taken down the licence plate number. 

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Police were also able to trace them because they were still using the woman's stolen devices.

"In her statement, the [survivor] said that the incident had psychologically and permanently scarred her. The day of the offence was her first day at work, and also her last day. Following the incident, she was not able to return to work, and also finds it difficult to maintain relationships with men," says Kara.

"The men were sentenced to life imprisonment for rape, 15 years for robbery and five years for kidnapping. The court ordered that the sentences for robbery and kidnapping run concurrently. They will effectively serve life imprisonment.

"We recognize the trauma experienced by the victim, and we hope that this sentence will provide some comfort."