BLOEMFONTEIN: A fugitive from justice, convicted two years ago for raping a woman in Thaba Nchu, has begun serving his ten-year sentence of direct imprisonment in a state prison under the Department of Correctional Services. Lazola Matanga (35) was re-arrested after a second arrest warrant was issued in the wake of his evading arrest and contempt of court.
Capt. Loraine Earle, spokesperson for the Free State police, said Matanga had been re-arrested in East London, in the Eastern Cape. She said Matanga began his prison term officially on 18 July. His arrest on 29 June was a result of a joint operation between the Free State provincial Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (Seci) unit and the Eastern Cape Provincial Tracking Team. The day after his arrest, Matanga was transported back to Thaba Nchu for continuation of the proceedings in the rape matter.
“Matanga was convicted in September 2022 for raping a woman in April 2019 in a church mission house in Thaba Nchu. He was always around young people at the church, preying on vulnerable youth. When his charm failed to manipulate the victim, he resorted to force and committed the offence. The matter went to trial, resulting in his conviction and sentence,” said Earle.
Earle explained that the delay in Matanga starting his prison sentence followed a failed bid to appeal his rape conviction in the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court, respectively.
“Matanga’s application for leave to appeal his conviction was dismissed by the Supreme Court of Appeal,” she said.
Earle said on reappearing in the Thaba Nchu Magistrates’ Court on 26 March this year, Matanga was further granted an extension to file an application with the Constitutional Court.
“He once again failed to appear on the due date, on 5 May. He also failed to report as instructed to begin his prison sentence, leading to the issuing of warrants for his arrest,” said Earle.
Matanga’s minimum sentence of ten years’ direct imprisonment ended proceedings in the Seloshesha Regional Court.
However, it appeared Matanga was not charged for contempt of court, despite evidence of wilful and intentionally evading of arrest and neglecting court appearances, as well as the instructions thereof.
Earle has credited the investigative officer, Cons. Mosiuwa Ntholeng of the provincial Seci unit, for the successful conviction and sentencing of Matanga.
“Ntholeng had been the investigator since the case was first opened in 2019. He played a pivotal role throughout the process, ensuring the registration of the docket, arrest, and sentencing. He also monitored Matanga’s bail conditions, and secured the necessary warrants after Matanga absconded to hide in the Eastern Cape.”
