Life sentence for Port Alfred rapist

The Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has welcomed the substantial sentence handed down to rapist, Siyabulela “Ta Wara” Jamani/Vulindlu (25), who was sentenced on Tuesday, 23 August 2022 in the Makhanda High Court.

The court sentenced Jamani/Vulindlu, after his guilty plea following  overwhelming evidence brought by against him by the State, said South African Police Service spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli.

Nkohli said the court had heard that on Saturday, 12 March 2022 at about 10pm, Jamani/Vulindlu accosted and threatened to stab two teenage girls, who were walking in an bushy area in Port Alfred.

One girl managed to flee, but the Jamani/Vulindlu stabbed the other and dragged her to a secluded spot, where he repeatedly raped her. He also stole some of her items.

The survivor later managed to flee and was rescued by people, who were searching for her.

Judge Nomathamsanqa Beshe, in handing down sentence, noted that Jamani/Vulindlu was on parole for a similar offence in 2016, where he had been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. She sentenced the accused as follows:

  • Count One (Attempted murder): he was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
  • Count Two (Rape): he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
  • Count Three (Aggravated robbery): he was sentenced to 15 years  direct imprisonment.

Jamani/Vulindlu was declared unfit to possess a firearm. His name is also to be entered into the National Sex Offenders Register.

Lieutenant-General Mene welcomed the sentence.

“Police will continue to prioritise cases of Gender Based Violence and Femicide,” she said.