The Vrede Regional Court has sentenced 38-year-old Bongizizwe Nduna Mbonane to 35 years’ direct imprisonment following his conviction on charges of rape and attempted murder.
The sentencing took place on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. Mbonane, a resident of Zamane near Memel, was found guilty on two counts of rape and one count of attempted murder.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the incident occurred on 11 November 2023. At approximately 05:50, a 33-year-old woman from Zamani Township was walking home with a male companion after leaving a local tavern. The pair was confronted from behind by the accused.
Court documents indicate that Mbonane assaulted the woman’s companion, causing him to flee the scene. The accused then overpowered the woman, dragging her to an open field near a river where he raped her. Following the sexual assault, Mbonane physically assaulted the victim and left her in the river, under the belief that she was dead.
The victim survived the attack and managed to escape the water, seeking assistance from a nearby residence.