GBV perpetrators given life sentences

Police detectives from the Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Gqeberha and SAPS Bethelsdorp have sent a stern message by securing life sentences for their separate cases.

LIFE SENTENCES SECURED

This after two perpetrators of gender-based violence were sentenced to life in prison for their crimes.

Khulile Mbobela aged 27 from Motherwell was served with three life sentences for rape, on 28 February 2022 in the Gqeberha High court. 

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said on 4 March 2020, two victims, aged 19 and 22 years old were walking in central Gqeberha when they were approached by the accused who forced them at knifepoint to walk with him. 

“He demanded money from both women and when they said that they had no money, he raped them twice in an open field.”

He was arrested on 5 March 2020 by FCS detectives who were searching for the accused. He was spotted in central by one of the victims who was with police at the time. 

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“He was charged with rape, kidnapping, and attempted robbery. He appeared in court and was released on R2 000-00 bail.” 

Naidu said he was found guilty on Friday, 25 February 2022, and was remanded in custody until his sentencing on 28 February.

In another separate sentencing, Andrew George aged 31 was convicted and sentenced in the Gqeberha Regional court to life imprisonment for the murder of Melissa Marlouw aged 30, and an additional 10 years for raping her.

“On 22 August 2020, at about 03:00, George was walking Miss Marlouw home on Independence Road in Kleinskool after they were drinking with friends.” 

“She was hit over the head with a stone and thereafter raped and stabbed in the neck.”

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Naidu said on Tuesday, 1 September 2020 he was arrested by SAPS Bethelsdorp detectives at a relative’s house in Uitenhage.

HARSH SENTENCES WELCOMED

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene welcomed the harsh sentences imposed on the two remorseless criminals. 

“No mercy should be spared to perpetrators who commit crimes against women and children and such criminals should receive the maximum punishment for inflicting pain, anger, suffering, and in many cases death on their victims and their families.”

“One victim raped or killed is one too many.”

“Women are hurt, raped, and murdered by the people they know and trust as well as by strangers who want to exercise control over them.”  

Mene said such sentences send out a strong message that the SAPS and the prosecuting authorities were serious in crushing gender-based violence.