Man jailed 25 years after DNA links him to two rapes in Dutywa

A 31-year-old man has been sentenced to 25 years’ direct imprisonment after DNA evidence linked him to two separate rape incidents in Dutywa, the Eastern Cape.

The sentence was handed down by the Butterworth Regional Court on Monday, 2 March 2026, following a lengthy investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Two separate rape incidents reported

According to police, the first incident occurred on 30 October 2022 when a 41-year-old woman was attacked and raped by an unknown man while walking home from a local tavern during the early hours of the morning.

The victim reported the incident to police and a rape case was opened for investigation. However, the suspect could not be identified at the time and the case was later closed as undetected.

In a separate incident on 7 December 2022, a 46-year-old woman was attacked while searching for traditional herbs in open fields near Dutywa. The suspect, who was armed with a bush knife, assaulted the victim before raping her.

The incident was reported to police and another rape case was opened for investigation.

DNA evidence links both cases

Both victims were taken to a Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) where medical examinations were conducted and forensic samples were collected for DNA analysis.

Investigations later took a breakthrough when the Forensic Science Laboratory determined that the same male DNA profile was linked to both rape incidents.

The cases were subsequently reopened and assigned to Detective Warrant Officer Siyabulela Yeyana for further investigation.

During the investigation, a person of interest was identified and buccal samples were collected for DNA comparison. The forensic results confirmed a match between the suspect and the DNA found in both cases.

Arrest and court proceedings

The suspect, identified as Ayanda Sotyato, was arrested on 16 September 2024 and charged in connection with both incidents.

He appeared before the Dutywa District Court where the investigating officer successfully opposed his bail application.

The matter was later transferred to the Butterworth Regional Court, where the accused appeared on 27 February 2025.

On 2 March 2026, the court found Sotyato guilty on two counts of rape.

Court imposes lengthy prison sentence

Following his conviction, the Butterworth Regional Court sentenced the accused to an effective 25 years’ direct imprisonment.

Police said the conviction highlights the crucial role of forensic DNA evidence in solving serious crimes, especially in cases where suspects are initially unknown.

Authorities also encouraged victims of sexual offences to report incidents to police so that investigations can be conducted and perpetrators brought to justice.