WHITTLESEA: A 33-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment following his conviction for the rape of his former girlfriend and attempted murder in an incident that took place in February 2025.
Sivenathi Mgolozeli was sentenced by the Whittlesea Regional Court on 30 October 2026 after being found guilty on three counts of rape and one count of attempted murder.
According to the Eastern Cape SAPS, Mgolozeli received a 15-year direct imprisonment sentence for the first count of rape, life imprisonment for the second and third counts of rape, and a further life imprisonment sentence for attempted murder.
The sentences will run concurrently, meaning he will serve one life sentence.
He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and will have his name entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
Victim held captive for days
The incident occurred on the night of 12 February 2025, when Mgolozeli allegedly abducted his then 31-year-old former girlfriend and took her to his home in the eThafeni locality.
The victim was repeatedly raped over several days. During the ordeal, Mgolozeli also attempted to hang her from the roof rafters, but his attempt was unsuccessful.
She eventually managed to escape on the night of 14 February 2025 and sought a place to sleep at the home of someone known to her.
The following day, on 15 February 2025, she reported the incident at Thornhill Police Station.
Investigation leads to conviction
The case was subsequently transferred to the Whittlesea Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, where Constable Zintle Genge took over the investigation.
Mgolozeli was arrested on 16 February 2025. His bail application was successfully opposed, and he remained in custody throughout the trial until his sentencing.
Eastern Cape SAPS District Commissioner Major General Rudolph Adolph commended Constable Genge for her thorough investigative work, which contributed to securing the sentence.
Police have reiterated the importance of reporting gender-based violence and ensuring that perpetrators are brought before the courts.
