Serial rapist jailed to three life terms after attacks on victims as young as 11

Verdict and sentence

Sibulele Fempulana appeared in the Mthatha Regional Court on Wednesday following his conviction on three counts of rape. The court ordered that one life sentence run consecutively to two others, meaning he must serve two life terms before becoming eligible for parole.

Victims and timeline

The NPA said the victims were aged 24, 17 and 11 when the offences were committed. The court heard that while Magistrate Litha Madikizela ordered the sentence in relation to the 11-year-old to run consecutively, the State presented medical reports and victim testimony for all three matters.

How the crimes unfolded

The court record shows the accused was linked to multiple incidents over several years. In 2019, while working at a construction site in Ngqeleni, he became known to the 24-year-old complainant and on 23 November 2019 followed her from a tavern, dragged her into the bushes and raped her multiple times. He was arrested that day, but the matter was later withdrawn by the Ngqeleni Magistrates’ Court.

In 2022, after moving to Libode, the accused allegedly dragged an 11-year-old into a forest and raped her on 6 August 2022. DNA from a specimen taken in 2019 was later linked to the Libode case. While police were still searching for him, the State said he also raped a 17-year-old in Mqanduli, less than 100km from the other towns.

Prosecution and court process

Acting regional court prosecutor Afikile Sovendle led the evidence of all three victims, assisted by court preparation officer Nontlahla Siphika. NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali explained that the accused pleaded not guilty and at times claimed consent but contradicted himself under cross-examination.

“It is in relation to the rape of the 11‑year‑old that Magistrate Litha Madikizela ordered it run consecutively,” said Luxolo Tyali.

Sentence and reaction

After victim impact statements were submitted, the court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to depart from the prescribed minimum sentence. Welcoming the judgment, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Samkelo Mtwana commended the prosecution and investigation teams and praised the victims for reporting and testifying.

“The NPA said it remains resolute in its commitment to vigorously prosecuting GBV cases and ensuring survivors are protected and supported throughout the justice process.”

What this means

The case spans several years and towns in the Eastern Cape and was centralised by the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions before trial. The sentencing was framed by authorities as a decisive step in the fight against gender-based violence.