How rapid DNA testing helped seal serial rapist's fate

AS THE annual 16 Days of Activism Campaign for No Violence Against Women and Children gets underway, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced that a serial rapist will serve four life sentences and 63 years direct imprisonment after being convicted on four counts of rape.

- CHEVON BOOYSEN [e-mail]

Sihle Makaula, 27, was sentenced in the Western Cape High Court where his victims told of their trauma suffered as a result of his abhorrent actions - including the rape of a minor.

NPA spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said Makaula entered a plea and sentencing agreement with the State.

Makaula, who was linked to the crimes owing to a DNA breakthrough, started his reign of terror against three unsuspecting young women and a minor in the Siyanyanzela Informal Settlement, Grabouw, on July 29, 2019, when he stabbed and hit a woman, unprovoked, to subdue her so that he could rape her.

He was convicted on a count of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and four counts of rape, including the rape of a 17-year-old. The sentences will run concurrently.