Two Gqeberha rapists, Mfundisi Mandilake (29) and Zolani Valindlela (36), were handed life term imprisonment in the Gqeberha Regional Court on Wednesday, October 2, for the kidnapping and rape they committed in April 2022.
According to police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, the female victim (36) was walking home from a tavern in Walmer location when she met the two accused, who were known to her.
She said both suspects forced her to accompany them to their shack.
“They threatened to slit her neck with a knife if she didn’t cooperate with them. At the shack, both suspects took turns raping the victim repeatedly,” she reported.
“Early in the morning, the victim told the accused she would go and buy alcohol for them, and they allowed her to leave. That was how she managed to escape,” Janse van Rensburg added.
She reported the rape at SAPS Walmer.
She further added that on Wednesday, October 2, the regional court found both accused guilty of rape and kidnapping.
They were sentenced as follows:-
Accused Mandilakhe Mfundisi: Count 1 – Kidnapping, 5 years imprisonment; Counts 2 and 3 – Rape, life imprisonment. Count 1 to run concurrently with Counts 2 and 3. Accused’s name to be placed in the Sexual Offences Register.
Accused Vulindlela Zolani: Count 1 – Kidnapping, 5 years imprisonment; Count 4 – Rape, life imprisonment. Count 1 to run concurrently with Count 4. Accused’s name to be placed in the Sexual Offences Register.
Major General Ncata extended his congratulations to the investigating officers, Sergeant Ramasela Masemola and Constable Xolisa Khedama, from the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit for their dedication in bringing these dangerous criminals to justice.
“The sentencing of Mfundisi Mandilake (29) and Zolani Valindlela (36) marks a significant victory in the ongoing fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). GBV remains one of the most pervasive and persistent challenges facing our society today. This sentencing serves as a strong message that such atrocious acts of violence, particularly those targeting women, will not be tolerated in society,” added Ncata.
