Two men convicted of rape in separate Eastern Cape cases have been sentenced to life imprisonment, with prosecutors saying the judgments demonstrate the justice system’s commitment to combating gender-based violence and protecting vulnerable victims.

In the first case, the Komani Regional Court sentenced 36-year-old Andile Nkomo to life imprisonment for raping his former girlfriend after abducting and assaulting her at knifepoint.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the attack occurred on October 24, 2021, in Dudumashe, Mbinzana, Bolothwa, near Komani.

Evidence before the court showed that Nkomo and the complainant had ended their relationship in 2020. However, prosecutors said he refused to accept the breakup and continued to harass the woman after the relationship ended.

On the day of the incident, Nkomo allegedly arrived at the victim’s home armed with a knife and threatened to force his way into the house. Fearing for the safety of her family, the woman left with him.

The court heard that Nkomo then assaulted her, dragged her to his home and raped her while threatening her with a knife. He raped her again during the early hours of the following morning.

The woman later reported the incident to police, leading to Nkomo’s arrest and prosecution.

State Prosecutor Thembelani Stayile led the evidence of the complainant, her brother and her daughter during the trial. The prosecution also submitted a J88 medico-legal report and DNA evidence linking Nkomo to the crime.

Nkomo’s defence was that the sexual intercourse had been consensual. However, the court rejected his version and accepted the State’s evidence.

During sentencing proceedings, the prosecution argued that the crime represented a serious form of gender-based violence and domestic violence. The court agreed and found that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances that justified deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

The court ruled that Nkomo’s personal circumstances were outweighed by the seriousness of the offence and the aggravating factors presented by the State. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

In a separate matter, the Makhanda High Court sentenced a 48-year-old man to life imprisonment for repeatedly raping his 10-year-old niece over a six-month period in Nqweba.

The abuse took place between January and June 2025 while the child was living with her mother, two younger brothers and the accused, who is her maternal uncle.

According to evidence presented in court, the child’s mother worked away from home and left her children in the care of the uncle during working hours. At the time, the accused was unemployed.

The court heard that the uncle abused the trust placed in him by repeatedly calling the child into a room, locking the door and instructing her to lie down on a bed or sofa before raping her. He allegedly warned the child not to tell anyone about the abuse.

The victim remained silent about the assaults until a friend of her mother’s noticed that she was struggling to walk. After being questioned, the child disclosed what had happened to her.

The matter was immediately reported to the child’s mother and then to the police.

Medical examinations revealed injuries to both the child’s vaginal and anal areas. Prosecutors said the findings were consistent with sexual penetration and corroborated the child’s account of repeated abuse.

The accused was later arrested after presenting himself at a police station to enquire about allegations that had been made against him.

State Advocate Thandiwe Kaleni led the evidence of the child complainant, her mother, aunt, a first report witness and a forensic nurse who compiled the J88 medico-legal report. The child also received support through the Dora Nginza Thuthuzela Care Centre.

The accused pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations. However, the court found the State’s witnesses to be credible and reliable and rejected his version as false.

In addition to imposing a life sentence, the court declared him unfit to possess a firearm, ordered that his details be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to work with children.

Acting Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Adv Samkelo Mtwana welcomed both sentences, saying they reflected the seriousness with which the courts view sexual offences.

Regarding the case involving the child victim, Mtwana said the sentence underscored the justice system’s determination to punish sexual crimes committed against children, particularly when committed by trusted family members.

The NPA said the convictions and life sentences send a strong message that sexual offences and gender-based violence will not be tolerated, regardless of whether the perpetrator is a former partner, family member or someone entrusted with the care of a child.

The prosecuting authority reiterated its commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of sexual violence are held accountable and that vulnerable victims receive protection and support through the criminal justice system.