By REGINALD KANYANE
15 July 2025- A taxi driver, Nkululeko Nkabinde (39) from Nellmapius Extension 6 was sentenced to life imprisonment for two counts of rape. This comes after Nkabinde raped a girl (12) on 29 November 2020.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the court also ordered his inclusion on the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm. Mahanjana said this will reinforce the NPA’s unwavering commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and protecting vulnerable children.
“On 29 November 2020, around 8pm, Nkabinde visited the victim’s home in Nellmapius Extension 12, where her mother was selling alcohol. After purchasing alcohol, he met the victim walking home from a shop.
“He lured her to his residence with a promise of R200. He drove with her and stopped his taxi at his gate, and insisted she enter his room for sexual intercourse. When she refused, Nkabinde raped her twice in the front seat of the taxi,” she said.
Mahanjana further said Nkabinde then drove her back, dropping her off near a bridge close to her home and threatened her not to tell anyone. She added that the victim, upon returning home, met her mother and friends who were searching for her and told them what had happened.
“The mother reported the incident to the South African Police Service, leading to Nkabinde’s arrest on 2 December 2020. Nkabinde pleaded not guilty, claiming the sexual intercourse was consensual and that he believed the victim was older,” said Mahanjana.
She said the state prosecutor, Advocate Corrine Maria Sam presented compelling evidence, including the victim’s testimony, facilitated through intermediary services to minimise trauma and the mother’s corroborating account. Mahanjana said Sam highlighted that the medical evidence confirmed the assault, noting the victim was a virgin at the time.
“The court rejected Nkabinde’s defence as implausible, finding the prosecution’s evidence credible and convicting him on both counts of rape. In mitigation, Nkabinde requested leniency, citing his responsibilities as a provider for his wife and two children.
“Sam opposed deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment under Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997, arguing that Nkabinde committed a grave act of GBV against a child the same age as his daughter,” she said.
Sam said he took away the innocence of the child and exposed her to sexual acts, because at the time of the incident the victim was still virgin. Furthermore, Sam said Nkabinde showed no remorse for the offences, because even after being convicted he continued to lie to the court and said the child enjoyed it.
Magistrate Adrian Bekker agreed with the state that Nkabinde’s cruel violation of a vulnerable child, coupled with his lack of remorse, demands the severest penalty to protect society. Bekker said he finds no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate from imposing life imprisonment.
Mahanjana said: “The NPA commends the courage of the victim, whose disclosure, supported by her mother and community, ensured accountability. Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Marika Jansen Van Vuuren praised Sam and the investigating officer for their meticulous work, stating.
“This life sentence sends a powerful message. The NPA will relentlessly pursue perpetrators of GBV ensuring justice restores dignity for victims.”
She said the NPA urges communities to remain vigilant, report abuse promptly, and support survivors through Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs,) which offer medical, psychological, and legal assistance. Mahanjana said this case underscores the critical role of families and communities in protecting children and empowering them to disclose abuse.
“The NPA calls on South Africans to unite against GBV, fostering safe environments where children’s constitutional rights to dignity and safety are upheld and predators’ face the full might of the law,” she said.
The Guardian 