- The Pongola Regional Court sentenced Sipho “Mathousand” Lushaba (37) to life imprisonment for rape on 11 June 2020.
The accused offered to accompany the victim (20) to her homestead on 9 March 2019 at 19:30. Whilst they were en route to the victim’s home, the accused broke a bottle and threatened to kill the victim.
He took her to his homestead instead, at Belgrade where he locked her in the house and raped her repeatedly until the next day. The community as well as members of the SANDF, who were searching for her after she was reported missing located the accused home, and rescued the victim.
The accused was taken into custody. A case of rape was opened at Pongola police station and it was assigned to the Ulundi Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit for investigation.
The investigating officer ensured a well-investigated docket was prepared for the court proceedings to ensure a successful prosecution. The accused was kept in custody throughout the trial until his conviction.
The community, family of the victim, and all parties involved in the case are happy about the outcome and believe it would send a strong message to perpetrators who take advantage of innocent ladies and women in the country.
