The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, has handed down life sentences to Lloyd King (29) and Thandobuhle Mndleleni (20) for the violent rape of a 25-year-old female Bolt driver in Amalinda, East London, on 5 March 2021.
The attack occurred just after midnight when the victim responded to a request to pick up two passengers. She drove the men to King’s residence in Amalinda, where they forced her inside and assaulted her. Both men took turns raping her, with King also compelling the victim to perform oral sex. After the assault, she immediately reported the crime to the police, who arrested the accused shortly thereafter.
Though the men claimed the encounter was consensual, State Advocate Sibusiso Mgenge presented strong evidence to the contrary. The victim, who was two weeks pregnant at the time, tragically lost her baby three weeks after the assault. The court also heard testimony from Dr. Adeniyi of Cecilia Makiwane Hospital, as well as officers from the South African Police Service involved in the investigation.
Both men were convicted of gang rape and sentenced to life imprisonment. In addition, the court ordered their registration in the National Register for Sex Offenders, ensuring they are tracked and monitored to protect the community.
This conviction was made possible by the determined efforts of the prosecution, the investigating officers, and the compassionate staff at the Thuthuzela Care Centre in Mdantsane, including Nosisi Nangu and Lusindiso Holiday, who played a key role in supporting the victim throughout the process.
