THREE gang members found guilty of rape and kidnapping were sentenced to long jail terms in the eSikhawini Regional Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Siyathokoza Masinga (31), Mxolisi Mthembu (23) and Sibusiso Kunene (28) were initially convicted of the crimes by Magistrate TS Ngesi in 2013, but appealed for a retrial.
During the second trial in November they were again found guilty by Magistrate Madida.
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On Monday Masinga was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and eight years for kidnapping,
Mthembu received 18 years for rape and eight years for kidnapping and Kunene was sentenced to 25 years for rape.
The three were arrested and charged with rape and two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstance after they gang raped a 24-year-old woman inside a hostel room in eSikhaleni in April 2012.
During both trials the courts heard the victim was walking in the Somash passageway next to the eSikhawini Mall with her male friend when the trio accosted them.
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They produced firearms and robbed her of her money before ordering her to go with them to a room at Grinaker Hostel.
They assaulted the woman’s male friend, who was left with one of the perpetrators.
The victim testified she was threatened with a knife, after which they raped her repeatedly inside the room.
The attackers were arrested after her friend later recognised them and provided the police with their residential addresses.
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