GANG RAPISTS SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR 2010 ATTACK IN STUTTERHEIM
Life Sentences Handed Down 15 Years After Brutal Attack
More than a decade after a traumatising series of gang rapes in Engcobo Village outside Stutterheim, justice has finally been served. The East London Regional Court has sentenced three men — Sivuyile Mbondela (41), Sisanele Hletyiwe (36) and Thanduxolo Kedama (47) — to life imprisonment for their roles in the 2010 attack that left multiple victims severely traumatised.
Their fourth accomplice, Sandile Mbondela, died before the trial could begin.
The sentencing brings an end to a long and painful legal journey that spanned over 15 years, marked by DNA delays, legal stalling tactics by the accused and significant emotional toll on the survivors.
Additional Years Imposed for Robbery and Firearm Charges
In addition to the life sentences for gang rape, the court imposed:
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15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances
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5 years for housebreaking with intent to commit rape
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An additional 20 years for Sivuyile Mbondela for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition
All sentences will run concurrently.
The trio were further:
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Declared unfit to possess firearms
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Added to the National Register for Sex Offenders
The Night of Terror: 4 July 2010
The attack took place during the height of South Africa’s 2010 FIFA World Cup celebrations — a time when the world’s attention was focused on the country for a historic sporting moment.
In stark contrast, women and girls in Engcobo Village faced a nightmare.
15-Year-Old Girl Violated in Front of Her Brother
A 15-year-old girl was asleep when unknown men forced their way into her home through a door secured with only a nail. One man pointed a firearm at her and her 7-year-old brother while others ransacked the room.
The attackers stole:
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A cellphone
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R100 cash
Three of the men then took turns raping the young girl in the presence of her brother before dragging her outside to nearby bushes, where she was raped again.
Cousin Arrives Home — And Is Also Attacked
Moments later, the victim’s cousin returned home via taxi. The attackers overpowered her as well. She managed to flee to a neighbour’s rondavel, desperate for safety.
But the danger followed.
Attackers Storm Neighbour’s Rondavel
When the neighbour opened the door, the attackers forced their way in, robbing the occupants of their cellphones and raping both women.
The neighbour’s boyfriend attempted to intervene, but the attackers assaulted him.
Two More Women Targeted
Two additional women who had been dropped off by the same taxi went looking for their friend. The attackers confronted them as well:
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Threatened them with a firearm
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Robbed them
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Sexually assaulted them
The men then attempted to rob the taxi driver. He managed to fire warning shots, causing the gang to flee.
All survivors were taken to hospital and later to the police station.
Investigation and Arrests
Police arrested all four suspects, recovering several stolen cellphones that had already been resold.
During the arrest of Sivuyile Mbondela at a farm where he worked, he attempted to escape, dropping the firearm believed to have been used in the attacks.
DNA Delays Stall the Case
The case was initially withdrawn due to delays in obtaining DNA results. Because the crimes occurred in darkness, victims could not visually identify the attackers.
Once the DNA results came back and positively linked the men, the case was reinstated in 2014.
Years of Court Delays and Obstruction
The accused repeatedly attempted to derail the trial. According to the NPA:
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They continually changed lawyers
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Presented questionable medical notes
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Sometimes failed to attend proceedings
Two of the accused were later rearrested in 2022 in connection with another case, allowing the prosecution to push the matter forward again.
Victim Impact Statements Reveal Long-Term Trauma
During sentencing, the State presented victim-impact statements from the survivors. It emerged that:
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One victim suffered a mental breakdown due to the trauma
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The State requested psychological support and counselling for all survivors
The sentencing reflects the profound and lasting harm the victims endured, many of whom were children at the time.
NPA Welcomes Sentence
Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Barry Madolo, welcomed the life sentences, praising the perseverance of State Advocate Vuyokazi Sam and the investigators who refused to abandon the case despite the lengthy delays and attempts to obstruct justice.
According to the NPA, the outcome reaffirms its commitment to pursuing justice for survivors of gender-based violence, even when cases stretch over many years.
Conclusion
This ruling represents a significant victory for survivors of gender-based violence in the Eastern Cape. It sends a strong message that no matter how much time passes, and regardless of attempts to derail justice, accountability will follow.
