The Thohoyandou High Court in the Vhembe District has handed down a hefty sentence to Oliver Humbulani Hlengani (35), who has been convicted of multiple charges, including rape, housebreaking, robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Hlengani received two life terms and an additional 62 years imprisonment.
The court heard harrowing details of Hlengani's crimes:
On 23 August 2013, at approximately 02:15, the first victim was awakened by a noise at her door. Upon turning on the light, a man’s voice claimed he was looking for someone. Moments later, the door was forcibly opened, and Hlengani entered, ordering the victim to remove her clothes before raping her.
In a second incident, the victim was sleeping when a knock sounded at her door. The suspect introduced himself by his nickname. After hearing a gunshot, the victim remained silent, but Hlengani forcefully broke into the house, ordered her to lie down, and raped her again.
During a third attack, Hlengani abducted a victim from a local tavern, taking her to his residence, where he raped her.
The case was transferred to the Musina Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses (FCS) Unit, where Investigating Officer Sergeant Takalani Milton Kone took charge of the investigation. Hlengani was initially arrested in August 2013 and granted bail of R2,000. However, he committed further offenses while out on bail, leading to his rearrest.
The court delivered the following sentence on Wednesday, 11 December 2024:
- Count 1: Murder – Life imprisonment
- Count 4: Housebreaking with intent to rape – 8 years imprisonment
- Count 5: Rape – 10 years imprisonment
- Count 6: Housebreaking with intent to rape – 8 years imprisonment
- Count 7: Robbery – 15 years imprisonment
- Count 8: Rape – Life imprisonment
- Count 9: Unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm – 15 years imprisonment
- Count 10: Unlawful possession of stolen property – 2 years imprisonment
- Count 11: Attempted theft – 2 years imprisonment
- Count 12: Assault – 2 years imprisonment
The court ruled that counts 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 would run concurrently with count 1, resulting in an effective sentence of two life terms and 62 years imprisonment.
The conviction and sentencing are seen as a victory for justice, particularly for survivors of violent crimes.
Stay Updated with HMR News Updates – Where Truth Matters Most.
Follow Us:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X | TikTok
Contact Us:
Email: info@hmrnewsupdates.com
Phone: +27 66 427 6676
HMR News Updates – Your Source for Reliable Reporting.
© 2024 HMR Media. All rights reserved.
