Chatsworth man jailed for life after DNA links him to decade of attacks

A 47-year-old man has been sentenced to an effective life term after DNA evidence linked him to a series of rapes and related offences committed in Chatsworth between 2013 and 2021. The Durban Regional Court handed down the sentence on Tuesday, 1 September.

Convictions and locations

The accused, who has not been named in court, was convicted of offences committed in the Chatsworth, Savannah Park and Welbedacht areas against three women aged between 15 and 31. Two of the complainants knew the accused.

Details of the attacks

During the trial the court heard that in May 2013 the accused kidnapped a woman, took her to a nearby bush, and raped and sexually assaulted her before she escaped. In October 2016 he raped and sexually assaulted another woman who was known to him. In September 2021 he kidnapped a third complainant, took her to a vacant building where he restrained and raped her and stabbed her with a broken beer bottle before releasing her.

Investigation, arrest and trial

All three complainants reported the incidents to the police. Two were referred to the Chatsworth Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) and the third to the Umlazi TCC for medical treatment and psychosocial support.

The accused evaded arrest for years before DNA evidence linked him to all three cases, leading to his arrest in March 2024. During the trial, prosecutor Tanuja Bechan led the evidence of nine witnesses, including the complainants, first report witnesses, medical practitioners who examined the victims, and the investigating officer.

Sentencing and orders

The man received three life terms for rape, plus additional sentences totalling 60 years for kidnapping, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and sexual assault. Because the sentences will run concurrently, he will serve an effective life sentence.

The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm and ordered that his particulars be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Victim impact and prosecutorial response

Victim impact statements compiled by the complainants and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Prudence Geraud described the lasting trauma of the attacks. One complainant reported sleeplessness, heightened fear and relocating to another area. Another said the incident left her socially withdrawn, and the third said the ordeal affected every aspect of her life and robbed her of the future she had envisioned.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said all three complainants reported the incidents to police and confirmed the role of TCCs in providing integrated support.

“This successful prosecution forms part of the NPA’s Serial Rapist Prioritisation Initiative, led by the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs (SOCA) unit in partnership with the SAPS Serial and Electronic Crime Investigative unit,”

the NPA said. The NPA also noted the expansion of the Thuthuzela Care Centre network from 55 centres in 2020/21 to 66 currently operating nationwide.