The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentence imposed by the Bityi Regional Court on Thamsanqa Kwanele Nhonho (31), who was convicted of housebreaking, kidnapping, and rape and sentenced to life imprisonment. On the night of 23 July 2025 at Kroza Location in the Sithebe Administrative Area, the 38-year-old complainant was sleeping in her home when Nhonho forcefully entered by kicking open the locked door. Armed with a knife, he threatened to kill her and dragged her to his homestead, where he raped her twice.
Despite the severe trauma she endured, the complainant reported the incident at the Bity Police station on 26 July 2025, leading to Nhonho’s arrest two days later. He was denied bail and remained in custody until his conviction and sentencing.
During sentencing proceedings, State Prosecution Anelisiwe Rwaxa emphasized the victim’s vulnerability she is disabled and walks with crutches and referred the court to S versus Msimang and another 2005 (1) SACR, which affirms that lengthy sentences serve both as a deterrent and as reassurance that the courts will protect victims of violent crime. Rwaxa led evidence from the complainant, the first report witness, and the medical examination (J88). The accused claimed the sexual acts were consensual, but the state successfully disproved this version.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecution Barry Madolo, welcomed the outcomes stating that perpetrators of gender-based violence have no place in the society. “It is imperative that they are put behind bars where they belong,” stressed Madolo. Furthermore, Nhonho’s name has been entered into the National Register for Srx Offenders, and he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
