Eastern Cape child rapists sentenced: 15 years and life imprisonment for duo
Two convicted child rapists have been sentenced in the Gqeberha Regional Court in the Eastern Cape.
Lisakhanya Tony, 18, and Winston Smith, 32, were convicted of the rape of an 11-year-old boy committed in September 2023.
The provincial police spokesperson, Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, said the rape occurred on September 3, 2023, at approximately 8pm in Kuyga in Greenbushes.
“At the time, the victim was sitting around a fire in the nearby bushes with friends. The two convicted persons approached the group, cornered the victim, and raped him. A case of rape was subsequently reported at the SAPS Kaebga Park,” Janse van Rensburg said.
She said both perpetrators were arrested by members of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Gqeberha on September 4, 2023. They were remanded in custody for the duration of the trial.
On Monday, February 2, both of the perpetrators were found guilty of the charges of rape.
Tony was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment and Smith was sentenced to life imprisonment. The duo were further declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Major General Vuyisile Ncata, commended the investigating officers, Sergeant Babalwa Ramba and Constable Xolisa Khedama from the FCS Unit, for their dedication and professionalism in ensuring justice for the victim.
“This successful conviction and sentencing reflect the commitment of SAPS to protect the most vulnerable members of our society. These sentences send a clear and uncompromising message that such heinous crimes will be met with the full might of the law,” Ncata said.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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