News / National
Zimbabwean rapist jailed for life in SA horror bush attack
7 hrs ago | Views
A 32-year-old Zimbabwean man has been sentenced to life in prison by the Pretoria Magistrate's Court for a horrifying 2020 rape and robbery that shocked the South African public and left a female jogger traumatised.
Mulero Nyangero, a father of two residing in Pretoria West, was convicted of rape and handed a life sentence, with an additional five years for aggravated robbery. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently and permanently barred him from possessing a firearm.
According to South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Nyangero and two accomplices ambushed the victim while she was jogging along Kloof Street. They dragged her into nearby bushes, where Nyangero raped her while the others assaulted her and held her at knifepoint.
The attackers forced the victim to transfer money to them via cellphone banking before fleeing the scene, leaving her tied up and bleeding. Demonstrating immense courage, the woman managed to untie herself and flagged down a passing motorist for help.
"She ran to the road and got a lift home before reporting the matter to Pretoria West Police," said NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana.
A manhunt was swiftly launched, culminating in Nyangero's arrest at a tavern in Pretoria West in February 2021. He remained in custody throughout the trial.
Despite pleading not guilty and insisting on his innocence, the court found Nyangero guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Advocate Chester Molaba led the prosecution, presenting compelling testimony from the victim and investigating officers that dismantled Nyangero's defence.
In a final plea for leniency, Nyangero asked the court to consider his family responsibilities and time spent in remand. However, the prosecution argued that his lack of remorse and the brutal nature of his crimes warranted the harshest possible punishment.
"Advocate Molaba argued that Nyangero was remorseless, and his crimes were vicious and inhumane – a glaring example of the gender-based violence scourge plaguing the nation," said Mahanjana.
The conviction and sentencing have been welcomed by activists and community members as a strong message against sexual violence and a victory for justice.
Mulero Nyangero, a father of two residing in Pretoria West, was convicted of rape and handed a life sentence, with an additional five years for aggravated robbery. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently and permanently barred him from possessing a firearm.
According to South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Nyangero and two accomplices ambushed the victim while she was jogging along Kloof Street. They dragged her into nearby bushes, where Nyangero raped her while the others assaulted her and held her at knifepoint.
The attackers forced the victim to transfer money to them via cellphone banking before fleeing the scene, leaving her tied up and bleeding. Demonstrating immense courage, the woman managed to untie herself and flagged down a passing motorist for help.
"She ran to the road and got a lift home before reporting the matter to Pretoria West Police," said NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana.
A manhunt was swiftly launched, culminating in Nyangero's arrest at a tavern in Pretoria West in February 2021. He remained in custody throughout the trial.
Despite pleading not guilty and insisting on his innocence, the court found Nyangero guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Advocate Chester Molaba led the prosecution, presenting compelling testimony from the victim and investigating officers that dismantled Nyangero's defence.
In a final plea for leniency, Nyangero asked the court to consider his family responsibilities and time spent in remand. However, the prosecution argued that his lack of remorse and the brutal nature of his crimes warranted the harshest possible punishment.
"Advocate Molaba argued that Nyangero was remorseless, and his crimes were vicious and inhumane – a glaring example of the gender-based violence scourge plaguing the nation," said Mahanjana.
The conviction and sentencing have been welcomed by activists and community members as a strong message against sexual violence and a victory for justice.
Source - zimpapers
