Justice served: Cacadu court hands down life sentence for 2024 mountain rape

CACADU – A 27-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Cacadu Regional Court for the brutal rape of a 14-year-old girl in August 2024.

Khanyisa Khayingana was convicted and sentenced on Friday, 3 July 2026, following a rigorous investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The incident occurred on the night of 30 August 2024 at the Tsembeyi Administration Area in the KwaQiti Locality, just outside Cacadu. According to police reports, the victim and her grandmother were preparing for bed when they heard a disturbance coming from the kitchen.

Upon investigating the noise, they were confronted by Khayingana, who was armed with a knife. He ordered them to stay quiet before forcing the 14-year-old onto his shoulders and fleeing into a nearby mountain range.

Once at the mountain, Khayingana repeatedly raped the teenager. He later dragged her to a local rondavel, where the assault continued throughout the night, before abandoning her the following morning.

The traumatised victim managed to return home the next day. SAPS were immediately notified, and she was rushed to a local hospital for medical examination and trauma support.

Following a swift manhunt, police tracked down and arrested Khayingana on 3 September 2024. He made his first appearance in court two days later. The investigating officer heavily opposed bail, ensuring the accused remained behind bars for the entire duration of the trial.

SAPS Chris Hani District Commissioner, Major General Rudolph Adolph, highly commended the investigating officer, Constable Sonwabile Faku, for his sterling work in securing the life imprisonment sentence. Major General Adolph praised the member’s dedication and thoroughness throughout the trial, noting that his efforts successfully ensured justice was served for the young survivor.