SUSPECT FACES 17 RAPE AND ROBBERY CHARGES

Suspected serial rapist, Mcondisi Simelane after his remand hearing at the magistrates court. He is accompanied by Matsapha police officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and Lukhozi. (Pic: Jabulisa Dlamini)

MANZINI – The suspect who allegedly raped women in Matsapha appeared in court facing 17 rape, robbery and housebreaking charges.

The alleged Matsapha serial rapist shocked people inside the courtroom when he confessed to having raped some of the women. However, he said he did not rape the number of women alleged on the charge sheet.
Mcondisi Sinaza Simelane (23) of Zikhotheni appeared before Principal Magistrate David Khumalo facing 17 rape, robbery and housebreaking with intent to steal and theft offences.

“Nkosinyenkantolo, ngabalala labanye kepha hhayi bonkhe njengoba kushiwo’-loosely translated, ‘Your Worship, I did rape some of the women, however, not all of them as alleged,” Simelane said.
The principal magistrate reminded the suspect that he had not been charged with rape offences only but had allegedly committed other offences including a string of robbery and housebreaking offences.

Magistrate Khumalo read part of the charge sheet and asked Simelane if he would plead guilty or not to the offences he had been charged with.
“I will plead guilty to some of the offences but with reasons as I had not committed some that I have been alleged to have committed,” the suspect said.
The Senior Public Prosecutor, Sandile Mdluli informed the court that he was still to consult with the Director of Public Prosecutors on whether the trial would be held at the magistrates court or the High Court.

“The public prosecutor is still to consult with the DPP’s office which will indicate if the matter will be trialled at the High Court or here. If the DPP’s office deems it fit to be tried at the High Court then this court will remand you from time to time pending your committal at the High Court,” the principal magistrate said.

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