Serial rapist sentenced to nine life terms and 158 years in prison

The Supreme Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape District, Mthatha, sentenced Xolani Gcelu (34) to nine life sentences and an additional 158 years for his four-year reign of rape, kidnapping, robbery and attempted murder of young women of varying ages from 17 to 26 in the neighboring villages of Sidwadweni and Zandukwana near Tsolo district.

The court sentenced Gcelu to life imprisonment in each of the nine rape cases. The prison sentences ranged from two to 15 years for the multiple charges of intentional house burglary, kidnapping, common robbery, attempted murder and robbery with aggravated circumstances, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and forced sexual assault.

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The court ordered the final 158 years to run concurrently with the nine life sentences.

National Prosecuting Authority (Eastern Cape Division) regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said: “Between March 2016 and June 2019, Gcelu targeted and completely raped the young women who were either walking alone at night or sleeping alone.” he was infected with HIV. His modus operandi was to threaten the women with a knife and take them to remote areas or unfinished building structures, where he raped them and robbed them of their belongings, including cell phones and cash. He was linked through DNA to all rape allegations as all victims reported their attacks immediately and were therefore referred for medical treatment in a timely manner.”

Gcelu was arrested after attacking two women. While threatening her with a knife, he raped her and forced her to perform sexual acts on each other.

Although they did not know Gcelu, they managed to describe him to their older brothers, who tracked him down and handed him over to the police. During the trial, he objected to the procedure in which samples of his cheeks were taken for DNA comparison.

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“He further alleged that he had romantic relationships with six of the victims and purchased alcohol for others in exchange for sex. Under cross-examination by prosecutor Loyiso Methuso, Gcelu contradicted himself. Attorney Methuso had earlier led the testimony of the victims, some of whom were assisted by court preparation officer Nonkululeko Mcimbi. Judge Buyiswa Majiki found that Gcelu was an untruthful witness and agreed that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances that would support a departure from the mandatory minimum sentence of life imprisonment for the rapes,” Tyali added.

Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Barry Madolo commended the investigating officer, CPO and prosecutor for their careful collection and presentation of evidence, noting that the verdict reaffirms the NPA’s commitment to protecting women.