MAKHANDA – Zola Dennis Saul, a man convicted of raping a 26-year-old woman, has been sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment by the Makhanda Magistrate’s Court on 22 July, with police welcoming the ruling as a victory in the fight against gender-based violence.
According to police spokesperson Captain Marius McCarthy, Saul had previously resided with the victim’s mother from 2016 until their marriage in 2022.
He said Saul was subsequently evicted from the shared residence after the mother discovered he was attempting to initiate an inappropriate relationship with the victim.
McCarthy said that on the morning of 23 July 2025, the accused returned to the residence under the pretext of charging his cellular device.
He said that, after finding the victim home alone, the suspect lured her into a bedroom, overpowered her and sexually assaulted her without her consent.
“The victim immediately reported the incident to her mother,” said McCarthy.
He said that, following the report, community members confronted the accused, who verbally admitted to the offence.
McCarthy said the community subsequently assaulted the accused before police were alerted.
He said responding police officers safely extracted the accused and placed him under arrest.
McCarthy said Sergeant Detective Sandra Catherine from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit investigated the case.
He further said that, after several postponements of the bail application hearing, bail was successfully opposed in the Makhanda Magistrate’s Court on 28 August 2025.
McCarthy said the accused remained in custody until he was convicted and sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm on 22 July 2026.
Sarah Baartman District Commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso welcomed the conviction and sentencing.
Kupiso further commended the meticulous work of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit investigator, who built a watertight case that ensured the perpetrator was removed from the community.
“We urge communities to reject vigilantism and continue trusting the legal system to deliver justice,” said Kupiso.
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