The Johannesburg high court sentenced a man who terrorised women in Cosmo City between February 2018 and January 2020 to life imprisonment on Friday.
Thabang Mahlangu was arrested after being linked by DNA collected from five women who had reported cases of rape with the Douglasdale police station.
He was charged with eight counts, ranging from rape, robbery with aggravating circumstances to housebreaking with intent to rape.
“He broke into the houses of women in the early hours of the morning, wielded a knife and raped and robbed them of their belongings. The fifth woman was raped on her way home from a nearby tavern,’ National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said.
She said state advocate Rotondwa Phungo submitted that rape without the use of a condom was an aggravating factor in a country ravaged by HIV, increasing the risk of women either contracting HIV or falling pregnant or both.
“The NPA applauds Adv Phungo and investigating officer Sgt France Mokwai for remaining steadfast in their pursuit of justice and their unwavering support to the survivors of these horrific crimes,” Mjonondwane said.
TimesLIVE
Life sentence for man who raped five women in Cosmo City
Image: 123RF/ ALLAN SWART
The Johannesburg high court sentenced a man who terrorised women in Cosmo City between February 2018 and January 2020 to life imprisonment on Friday.
Thabang Mahlangu was arrested after being linked by DNA collected from five women who had reported cases of rape with the Douglasdale police station.
He was charged with eight counts, ranging from rape, robbery with aggravating circumstances to housebreaking with intent to rape.
“He broke into the houses of women in the early hours of the morning, wielded a knife and raped and robbed them of their belongings. The fifth woman was raped on her way home from a nearby tavern,’ National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said.
She said state advocate Rotondwa Phungo submitted that rape without the use of a condom was an aggravating factor in a country ravaged by HIV, increasing the risk of women either contracting HIV or falling pregnant or both.
“The NPA applauds Adv Phungo and investigating officer Sgt France Mokwai for remaining steadfast in their pursuit of justice and their unwavering support to the survivors of these horrific crimes,” Mjonondwane said.
TimesLIVE
Two life sentences for man who raped 11-month-old daughter
Man who set ex-girlfriend alight after break-up slapped with a life sentence
Two KZN men get five life sentences for killing inyanga for 'bewitching' their dog and murder of four others
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Related articles
Latest Videos