A breakthrough in DNA evidence has led to a life sentence for Bhekani Innocent Zwane, a 43-year-old man convicted of kidnapping and raping a woman in Vryheid.
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A 43-year-old man who kidnapped and raped a woman in Vryheid four years ago has been sentenced to life behind bars, thanks to a DNA breakthrough that linked him to the crime while he was in custody for an unrelated matter.
The Vryheid Regional Court handed down the sentence to Bhekani Innocent Zwane this week for the 2020 attack on a 24-year-old woman in the Lakeside Park area.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the heavy sentence, noting it serves as a stern warning to perpetrators of gender-based violence (GBV).
The court heard that on December 6, 2020, the victim was walking home alone after socialising with friends at a local tavern. A vehicle occupied by four men pulled up alongside her. The group accosted the woman and dragged her into the backseat before driving to Lakeside Park.
The victim was assaulted during the drive and further manhandled as the occupants helped Zwane force her into his room. Once inside, Zwane assaulted her again and raped her twice.
The victim eventually managed to escape and fled to a nearby house for help. She was later treated at a local hospital, where forensic buccal swabs were collected.
While the case was reported to the police immediately, the investigation hit a wall because the victim did not know her attackers. Zwane remained at large until he was arrested for a separate, unrelated crime.
During that arrest, his DNA was processed and matched the samples taken from the 2020 rape kit.
"The buccal swabs taken from him linked him to the rape of the complainant," said NPA Regional Spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara. "He was subsequently charged. His accomplices were not arrested as they remain unidentified."
During the trial, Prosecutor Kwazikwakhe Theophilus Sibiya presented a formidable case, including testimony from the victim, the investigating officer, and the nurse who examined her. The prosecution also submitted a J88 medical report detailing the victim's physical injuries.
The court sentenced Zwane to life imprisonment for rape, four years for kidnapping and one year for assault.
The magistrate ruled that the sentences would run concurrently, resulting in an effective life term. Zwane was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his name was added to the National Register of Sex Offenders.
"The NPA welcomes the successful finalisation of the matter," Ramkisson-Kara added. "We hope that the sentence sends a clear message that perpetrators of gender-based violence will be held accountable for their actions."
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