In South Africa, a violent sexual predator Ndumiso Giyani was sentenced to 441 years imprisonment for a litany of charges on 5 June 2020 in Kimberley, Northern Cape.

Giyani was arrested in January 2019 after a police manhunt that began when investigators linked him to a string of rapes and robberies committed between 2014 and 2018.

Police officials welcomed the sentence which they felt was appropriate for the egregious crimes which Giyani was convicted of in November 2019.

After his four year reign of terror and subsequent arrest, he was found guilty in the Kimberley High Court on more than 30 charges, including 14 counts of rape late last year.

“The SAPS in the Northern Cape welcomes the 441 years imprisonment handed down to serial rapist, Ndumiso Giyani in the Northern Cape High Court today, 05 June 2020,” said SAPS spokesperson Captain Sergio Kock.

“The accused terrorised the communities of Kimberley, Galeshewe and Kagisho from 2014 until 2018. After intense investigations, Giyane was eventually linked in 2018 and arrested on 24 January 2019.

“He was found guilty on 11 November 2019 in the Kimberley High Court on 14 counts of rape, 12 counts of robbery with aggravated circumstances, two counts of attempted robbery with aggravated circumstances and six counts of kidnapping.

Arresting officers Lieutenant Colonel Marli Strydom and Sergeant Aaron Gumede have been commended for their work which led to the arrest and conviction of a dangerous sexual predator.

Judge Mathebe Phatshoane’s chief concern in handing down the sentence was ensuring that Giyani be prevented from visiting further harm to the community.

• Three life sentences for three charges of rape;
• 19 years imprisonment each for 11 charges of rape;
• 15 years imprisonment each for 12 charges of robbery with aggravated circumstances;
• 14 years for one charge of attempted robbery with aggravated circumstances and
• Five years of imprisonment each for six counts of kidnapping. The sentences will run concurrently with the three life sentences.

The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection in the Northern Cape, Major General Koliswa Otola lauded the two Investigating Officers.

“The community is also lauded for their assistance that ensured the perpetrator of the spate of heinous crimes is behind bars where he belongs,” said Otola.