The suspect has been sentenced to three life terms. File Picture
A Gauteng serial rapist has been sentenced by the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court to three life terms of imprisonment for rape involving minor children.
Andries Fenyane, 43, was further sentenced to 10 years direct imprisonment for the rape of an adult woman and six years imprisonment for abduction.
The details of the incidents were revealed in court.
On October 6, 2014, Fenyane entered the home of a four-year-old girl living with her grandmother. When the grandmother stepped outside to fetch water, Fenyane sneaked in through a different entrance, kidnapped the girl and raped her. He left her naked not far from her home.
On November 15, 2017, the court heard Fenyane approached a house where two 13-year-old girls were sleeping. After lying between the girls, he threatened them with a knife as they awoke and began screaming. He raped both girls.
On December 26, 2017, at about 9pm, the court heard Fenyane broke into the home of a 33-year-old woman who was with her four-year-old son. He raped the woman in front of her son after demanding that she fry him eggs which he took with him in a lunch box when he left the home.
On April 23, 2018, Fenyane was arrested when DNA linked him to the crimes and has been in custody ever since.
During proceedings, Fenyane pleaded guilty and said he committed the offences due to having been previously arrested based on a false accusation of rape.
During sentencing proceedings, Fenyane urged the court to sentence him to correctional supervision due to his ill health.
State Prosecutor, advocate Danilise Maphosa told the court the crimes committed were serious offences of rape and are humiliating, degrading and brutally invaded the privacy and dignity of the victims.
Maphosa submitted Fenyane raped the victims in their own homes and targeted children and women who were staying alone. He further showed no remorse for his actions.
Advocate Maphoso also handed in a victim impact report, facilitated by a social worker from the Department of Social Development, revealing that one victim now lives with the consequences of HIV infection due to the rape.
The magistrate concurred with the State’s assessment noting Fenyane’s lack of remorse and his motive appeared to be vindictive, inflicting harm on the most vulnerable members of society.
The court also declared Fenyane unfit to possess a firearm and is to have his name be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders.
The Gauteng spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Lumka Mahanjana welcomed the sentencing and said this reaffirms its unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence (GBV) and ensuring that all perpetrators of sexual offences face the full extent of the law.
“This case serves as a powerful reminder of the NPA's dedication to advocating for the rights and safety of victims within our communities. The NPA also expresses gratitude to the investigating officer, Sergeant Dennis Tshepo Mahlangu, for his dedication and thorough efforts, which were instrumental in achieving this conviction and sentence,” Mahanjana said.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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