The Secunda Regional Court delivered a resounding victory for justice on Wednesday, 18 December, sentencing heartless serial rapist and murderer Themba Prince Shongwe (36) to nine life sentences. Shongwe’s reign of terror, spanning from 2016 to 2018, left the community of Embalenhle, Mpumalanga, gripped by fear. His victims were young girls, brutally attacked and, in four cases, murdered.
The court heard harrowing details of Shongwe’s crimes. The nightmare began on 5 June 2016, when a 16-year-old girl, sent to a nearby tuck shop, was abducted at knifepoint. Shongwe dragged her to a soccer field, robbed her, and raped her. This was just the beginning of a series of horrific attacks.
On 12 August 2016, an 11-year-old girl vanished after returning from school. Her body was discovered the following day. A similar pattern repeated itself on 28 June 2017, when another 16-year-old girl disappeared. Her body was found near the municipal offices the next day.
Further tragedy struck on 7 May 2018, when an 11-year-old girl went missing after playing with friends. Despite a desperate search, her body was discovered three days later near a hair salon. The final attack occurred on 7 November 2018, when another 11-year-old girl disappeared after leaving her aunt at a hair salon. Her body was found on the street.
These four murders, coupled with the rape of the 16-year-old who survived, sent shockwaves through Embalenhle. The community lived in constant fear as the attacks unfolded, each incident adding to the growing sense of dread and vulnerability.
The series of tragic events prompted a thorough investigation by a dedicated team of experts within the South African Police Service (SAPS). The team, led by Major-General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, meticulously pieced together the evidence, ultimately leading to Shongwe’s arrest and conviction.
Major-General Mkhwanazi expressed his satisfaction with the nine life sentences, praising the coordinated efforts of the investigators, prosecutors, and the judiciary in bringing Shongwe to justice. He highlighted the importance of tackling gender-based violence, stating: "We are indeed glad that this perpetrator has been removed from society for good after terrorising women. We hope that the perpetrator's sentence will send a clear message that such heinous acts will never be tolerated, and this should serve as a deterrent to potential offenders."
The nine life sentences imposed by the court reflect the severity of Shongwe's crimes and the suffering inflicted upon his victims and their families. Each count carried a separate life sentence, ensuring that Shongwe will spend the remainder of his life behind bars. The sentencing provides a measure of closure and relief to the traumatised community of Embalenhle.
