Eswatini Serial Rapist Sentenced to Dual Life Terms Plus 124 Years

In a revealing turn of justice, the Mpumalanga High Court in Mbombela, South Africa, has pronounced two life sentences and an additional 124 years of imprisonment to Mcolisi Mthombeni, an Eswatini national engaged in serial rape and robbery. Having confessed to all 16 counts of his deplorable deeds, the trial concludes a terrifying saga that unfolded over two years from 2020 to 2022, primarily in the eastern Matsulu settlement of Mbombela.

Detailed investigations by the police uncovered that Mthombeni’s area of operation extended to Kaapmuiden between Matsulu and Malelane. He targeted women, exploiting their search for employment with deceptive promises via Facebook. After luring them, he violated their dignity, brutally raped them, and made away with their valuables.

The long-running investigation found conclusive evidence of Mthombeni’s guilt. One of his victims courageously identified him, and scientific evidence, including DNA testing, corroborated her claim. The judicial response, delivered by Judge Kgama Shai, ensured the law's full weight falls on Mthombeni with harsh sentencing ordered under Section 280 of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1977.