A 39-year-old serial rapist, Gilbert Sibusiso Fankomo has been handed 4 life sentences for the brutal rape of a number of youngsters.
Fankomo obtained the sentences from the Mpumalanga Division of the Excessive Courtroom in Mbombela on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said that the sentence follows Fankomo’s conviction on a number of counts of rape involving weak teenage victims spanning from April 2009 to March 2022.
The court docket heard distressing information of Fankomo’s predatory exercise, which focused younger ladies by abusing their innocence and belief.
It was stated that on April 29, 2009, Fankomo enticed a nine-year-old woman in Hazyview, forcing her into the bushes and raping her as she walked to her uncle’s residence.
On October 27, 2021, the accused tricked an eight-year-old little one in Masoyi by pretending that her mom had instructed him to accompany her (sufferer) to purchase a hen, solely to convey the sufferer right into a secluded spot and rape her.
In November 2021, Fankomo approached a nine-year-old woman in a Calcutta market, pretending to require cash from his kids, attacked her in a distant location, and subsequently raped her.
“In March 2022, he raped an 11-year-old woman in Calcutta, forcing her and her youthful siblings into an unfinished home, the place he held them hostage whereas committing these atrocities in opposition to the minor woman.
“All circumstances have been opened and diligently probed by the specialised members from Household Violence, Baby Safety and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. These astute members labored tirelessly to convey Fankomo to justice. His previous prison behaviour features a earlier rape conviction in June 2010, for which he obtained 18 years’ sentence however was launched on parole in April 2019,” Mdhluli stated.
In the meantime, the performing provincial police commissioner in Mpumalanga, Main Basic Zeph Mkhwanazi welcomed the sentence and conveyed his admiration for the diligent work of the investigation group, the prosecution group, and the judiciary.
“This well-deserved sentence sends a transparent message that our justice system is dedicated to addressing the scourge of sexual offences, notably in opposition to minors. The state has proven unwavering willpower to harshly cope with sexual offenders.
“We hope this sentence will deter others from committing comparable heinous acts. Police stay resolute of their mission to guard essentially the most weak in our society, and this case serves as a testomony to our dedication,” stated Mkhwanazi.
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