Serial rapist from Eastern Cape sentenced to life imprisonment

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An Eastern Cape serial rapist whose reign of terror spanned the entire province has been sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and burglary with intent to rape.

Acting Judge Lydia Monakali sentenced 49-year-old Sipho Mjuza in the Bhisho High Court on Tuesday.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of an elderly lady and a further 23 years for rape and burglary.

According to court documents, the rapes took place between September 2008 and December 2015 in Bhisho, Zwelitsha, Grahamstown, Dimbaza and the Centane (Mthatha) area.

Most of the complainants were elderly women, some of whom were unable to give evidence due to dementia.

Mjuza tortured the women by breaking into their homes and then raping them.

Some of the complainants were strangled and/or attacked.

He was arrested and convicted of rape and burglary that occurred in East London on December 13, 2015. Another charge is linked to the crime.

As a result of this conviction, Mjuza’s DNA was entered into the forensic laboratory database.

DNA evidence later linked him to the charges for which he was convicted on Tuesday.

Attorney Nocwaka Tokota appeared on behalf of the State.