Officials welcome hefty sentence in KZN rape cases
Authorities hope the punishment meted out to two child rapists in KwaZulu-Natal this week, sends a strong message to other would-be perpetrators of sexual violence.
On Tuesday, the Vryheid Regional Court sentenced 32-year-old Themba Shabalala to life behind bars for raping a six-year-old girl in 2016.
Last week, 43-year-old Mthokozisi Kunene was sent to prison for life in Pietermaritzburg for raping a 12-year-old girl in 2017.
"I'd like to appeal to the victims of such crimes, women and children, to speak out and report these incidents. Even if it's an old incident, the police will investigate the case and the suspect will be arrested," police spokesperson, Thembeka Mbele said.
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