A repeat offender rapist has been served 15 years imprisonment and will serve the remainder of his previous sentence - being five years - before he starts serving the latest sentence.
Bonginkosi Ngcingci, 36, was out on parole after serving 10 years of a 15-year sentence for rape, robbery, and housebreaking when he again committed a rape.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson for the Eastern Cape division, Luxolo Tyali, said Ngcingci - in the latest rape case - was convicted for the rape of a 26-year-old woman he claimed to have been in a relationship with and claimed they had consensual sex.
Ngcingci was recently sentenced in the Makhanda Regional Court.
Details that emerged in court were that in the early hours of December 23, 2023, Ngcingci followed the victim and her friend from a local hangout spot in the Joza Location in Makhanda.
“An altercation occurred between them when he demanded to speak to the victim despite her resistance. Her friend intervened, and the altercation ended with the accused throwing alcohol on the victim. It is not known where he went thereafter; the complainant and her friends stood around for a short while chatting before they dispersed and went home.
“On arrival at home, she found Ngcingci on her bed, armed with a knife. He immediately grabbed her and threatened to kill her if she resisted or made a noise. He proceeded to rape her, after which he demanded that she walk him out at around 5am, so that people would think he had slept over by agreement. She agreed, fearing for her life. Before he exited the yard, she turned around and ran to her brother's flat to report to him what had happened,” Tyali said.
According to court details, the woman told her brother what happened, and as Ngcingci fled on foot, the brother gave chase.
“He was chased by the brother of the victim and apprehended, but he managed to escape his grip. Upon being pursued by the brother of the victim again, he took out a knife, threatened to stab him, and fled. He was arrested later the same day after he was instructed by his mother to surrender himself to the police after the complainant and her brother went to his home,” said Tyali.
During the trial, the State led evidence from the complainant, her brother as the first report, and a friend of the complainant who had been with her earlier that evening.
The State also further submitted the photo album as well as the J88 of the complainant.
“Ngcingci pleaded not guilty, claiming that they had consensual sex and were in a relationship. However, under cross-examination by regional court prosecutor, Khwezikazi Makonti, he changed tune and said the complainant had demanded money after the sexual intercourse, but he could not find the money and suspected it was stolen by her. He could not tell the court why he never opened a case of theft against her,” said Tyali.
Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Barry Madolo commended the prosecutor for ensuring justice and closure to the victim and her family, and that the violent criminal was removed from the streets.