A man was sentence to only 13 years for the murder of his girlfriend. Image: Pexels
Police official sentenced to 10 years for raping woman in prison
Police official Philani Praiselord Mkhwanazi was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment following conviction for rape and corruption.
A man was sentence to only 13 years for the murder of his girlfriend. Image: Pexels
Police sergeant, Philani Praiselord Mkhwanazi, 43, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Richards Bay Regional Court on Friday, 10 February following his conviction for rape and corruption.
According to Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), a woman was arrested for shoplifting in November 2020.
She was taken to Esikhaleni Police Station and placed in a cell with other women.
SEX IN EXCHANGE FOR RELEASE
However, at some point, Mkhwananzi moved her to another room where he asked her for sex in exchange for her release.
The woman consented to Mkhwananzi in the hope of being released.
ALSO READ: Pretoria: Two SAPS constables sentenced for corruption
However, after they were done, instead of releasing her as he promised, Mkhwananzi took the woman back to the cell.
The victim confided in one of the cellmates before reporting the incident to another police officer.
RAPE CASE OPENED
Evidence was then secured and a case was opened.
The complainant’s evidence was led by Regional Court Prosecutor Jomo Ngcobo.
ALSO READ: Serial rapist sacked from London police force
“In her statement, the complainant said that since the incident she has been ostracised by her family. She said that she lives in fear and has lost her dignity,” said Ramkisson-Kara.
POLICE OFFICIAL SENTENCED
Mkhwananzi was sentenced to ten years in prison and was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The NPA expressed satisfaction with the sentence, stating that government officials are supposed to protect citizens rather than exploit them.
ALSO READ: 65-year-old policeman sentenced to 15 years for firearm theft
“The NPA welcomes this successful prosecution. Public servants and government officials have a duty to protect citizens and not exploit them. The officer in this case took advantage of his position. We hope that cases like this will deter like-minded individuals. Well done to the prosecutor and colleagues from the SAPS who contributed to the success of the case,” she said
