Two men sentenced for rape

Kraaifontein police welcomed the 20 and 23-year sentences handed to two men for separate rape cases.

The two heard their fate last Monday and Tuesday at the Blue Downs Regional Court.

Luwando Wagraya, 27, was convicted of the rape a 20-year-old woman in May 2011.

Kraaifontein police spokesman Captain Hein Hendricks said the victim had been walking with a friend in Maroela Street, Wallacedene at 9pm when three men tried to rob them. They forced the victim into the nearby bushes while her friend got away unharmed.

The victim was raped by all three men, one of whom died during the trial, another who is still on the run and Wagraya was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment on Monday August 26.

“Police traced the suspects, arrested them and they made their first appearance on July 26, 2011. They were initially denied bail but were later released on bail by the court. The three suspects failed to appear before court at their next court appearance with warrants of arrests issued. Wagraya was arrested,” he said.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of third suspect is asked to contact Warrant Officer Pedro Isaacs of Kraaifontein FCS on 021 980 5500 or 082 522 1045.

In a separate case, a 24-year-old man was convicted of raping a 15-year-old girl at her home in Charles Street, Bloekombos, Kraaifontein on November 23 2017 when he broke into the house, threatened her with a knife and raped her.

Captain Hendricks said the convicted rapist cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim.

“The suspect was pointed out by the victim, arrested and made his first appearance at Blue Downs Regional Court on November 29, 2017.

The state successfully opposed bail and the rapist has been in custody for the duration of the court proceedings. The rapist was convicted and sentenced to effective 23 years imprisonment on Tuesday August 27 in the Blue Downs Regional Court.”

Kraaifontein station commander, Brigadier Gerda van Niekerk, thanked the investigator, Warrant Officer Pedro Isaacs of Kraaifontein FCS for his sterling work in the conviction of two rapists within two days.

She also thanked the victims for their bravery in reporting these heinous crimes to the police and pointing out the suspects.