Carolina suspects handed hefty sentences
Carolina suspects handed hefty sentences
SH HATTINGH
17 November 2020
None of the accused showed remorse for their actions, and prison is the only place where they can be rehabilitated, the Magistrate said.
On 6 November 2020, the Carolina Regional Court handed down sentencing to Njabulo Elson Mnisi (28), July John Nyawu (26), Lucas Vusi Hlatshwayo (24) and Muzi Emmanuel Mlotshwa (26). It is alleged that on 1 June 2014, Dlamini Phillimon Okthy (36) was assaulted, stabbed with a knife and robbed of R570 and banking cards by the suspects. On the same night, the suspects met with Nomsa Elizabeth Dlamini (30) and her friend, whereafter they assaulted the women. Dlamini's friend managed to escape, and the suspects threatened the victim with an axe, dragged her to an open field next to Enkanini Section Silobela, and gang raped her for nearly 2 hours.
The suspects were arrested after cases of rape, kidnapping and robbery were opened. Mnisi and Nyawo, both received life imprisonment, with an added twelve years each. All sentences are to be served concurrently. Hlatshwayo and Mlotshwa were both sentenced to twelve years imprisonment. When handing down judgment, Magistrate Combrink said it is the duty of the court to protect the society, and that can only be done by imposing a prescribed sentence.
The faced offenses of a serious nature, and they traumatized their victims. On the charge of rape, the fact that one of the accused had a condom in his possession shows that their actions were planned. None of the accused showed remorse for their actions, and prison is the only place where they can be rehabilitated.