Joburg Bolt driver sentenced for rape
The High Court in Johannesburg has sentenced a 30-year-old e-hailing driver to two life terms for rape and kidnapping.
Bolt driver Emmanuel Mudau targeted women who requested rides from Cosmo City early in 2022 using the Bolt App.
The National Prosecuting Authority's Phindi Mjonondwane says the four survivors told the court that Mudau picked them up, and took them to secluded areas where he raped them.
"The four complainants testified that as soon as they entered Mudau’s vehicle, he refused to take them to their intended destinations and took them to secluded areas where he instructed them to undress and raped them.
"In two separate incidents, the complainants tried to run away, one was stabbed, and the other was strangled to succumb to his demands," said Mjonondwane.
One of the complainants testified in aggravation of sentence, telling the court how living with the trauma and fear has become part of her life.
"State Advocate, Coleen Ryan, echoed her sentiments when she argued that the court should not deviate from the ordained sentences, stating that these women have been scared for the rest of their lives.
"As we reflect on this outcome, our thoughts are with the complainants and their families. They suffered immeasurable pain, and the memory of this ordeal will remain irked in their minds for a lifetime. We, however, hope that they find solace in that the perpetrator has been removed from society," she added.
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