As South Africa observes the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, justice has been served in the Western Cape High Court where a 27-year-old man was handed four life sentences and an additional 63 years behind bars.

Sihle Makaula was convicted of a series of violent crimes that terrorised young women in the Siyanyanzela Informal Settlement in Grabouw between July and August 2019.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila, says Makaula was found guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, and four counts of rape, including the rape of a 17-year-old girl.

“The court sentenced him to three years’ direct imprisonment for the assault, 15 years for each robbery count, and life imprisonment for each rape charge.”

The High Court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, effectively ensuring Makaula will spend the rest of his life in prison. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Also read: ‘Silence is not an option’: Activists sound the alarm as 16 days of activism begin