The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has welcomed the 15 year sentence imposed upon Pikinini Solvent Phesane (25) for the heinous crime of rape.
The sentencing was handed down on Thursday, 21 November 2024, regarding the Kamhlushwa case.
The court heard that the young female victim, at the age of 18 was traumatized and attacked on 12 September 2021.
It is said that she was going to study with her classmates at a certain house. It was during this time when she met three males who pretended as if they were passing her then turned, and grabbed her, and forced her to a certain church premises.
It was in this place where she was shamefully raped by two men, who took turns in raping her.
The woman was also assaulted before they took her to the bushes and further raped her, whilst taking turns in doing that.
Thereafter, the victim somehow managed to escape and fled.
Upon arrival at home, she related the ordeal to her family. The incident was then reported to the Police at Kamhlushwa and the case was assigned to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS).
The victim received the necessary support through Thuthuzela Care Centre.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi commends the investigation team, the Prosecution team for their dedication in ensuring justice for the victim.
“The sentence imposed upon Phesane should serve as a strong deterrent to others who may contemplate committing similar crimes. We hope that the victim will find some closure after this traumatic experience,” stated Major General Mkhwanazi.
