The Mthatha High Court sentenced Bongani Zini (28), to three life terms for rape, compelled rape, and murder of an 18-year-old woman on New Year’s Day, in 2023.
National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, said the court further sentenced Zini to 15 months for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm that he committed against a male companion of the deceased woman. The incidents took place at Ntsundwana village in Ngqeleni. He said the murdered woman had been at a tavern with her sisters, and when they left she stayed behind with a schoolmate.
“They were accosted by three men. One of the men attacked the woman and her companion with a knife, demanding they hand over their cell phones. He stabbed the male schoolmate, who then fled for his life. The man then instructed his two friends to drag the woman to a dark place, where he forced one of them to stand guard, and the other to rape the woman before his turn to rape her,” Tyali said.
Police found Zini’s wallet next to the lifeless body of the victim, which led to his arrest. Subsequently, Tyali said that he had abandoned his bail application after community members torched his home.
“During trial, State Advocate Thabo Dease led the evidence of Zini’s two companions, who were 18 at the time of the incident. They told the court that they co-operated with him out of fear because he was a known dangerous character in their village. In his defence Zini mounted a bare denial, but under cross-examination changed his tune and claimed an alibi that was rejected by the court.”
Tyali said that Advocate Dease asked the court to impose the harshest sentence because the offences were brutal, brazen, and with no regard for the young woman. He also said femicide was prevalent, not only in the court’s jurisdiction but nationally.
“Acting Judge Mpumelelo Notununu agreed with the prosecutor’s submission, adding that the community expected the courts to deal with serious crimes harshly,” he said.
Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Barry Madolo, commended the prosecutor, investigating officer, and the witnesses. He particularly applauded the village headman who assisted in police investigations, ensuring that justice was served for the young woman and the community.
