Eastern Cape Serial Rapist Sentenced to Eight Life Terms and 46 Years for Tsolo Attacks
- Thabile "Bhino" Nyakiso, 32, was convicted of eight rapes and multiple robberies committed across Tsolo between 2016 and 2017
- Acting Judge Fikile Ntayiya handed down a cumulative sentence that included eight life terms and additional prison time for robbery charges
- Forensic DNA evidence played a central role in linking Nyakiso to the crimes after his arrest for a separate rape case in Butterworth
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Getty Images
EASTERN CAPE — The Mthatha High Court has sentenced serial rapist Thabile "Bhino" Nyakiso to eight life terms plus 46 years in prison for a series of violent sexual attacks and robberies carried out in Tsolo between June 2016 and November 2017.
Nyakiso, 32, targeted women and teenage girls in the New Homes and Crossbow townships, committing eight rapes and multiple robberies over an 18-month period. His victims ranged from a 16-year-old girl to a 39-year-old woman, and attacks took place in various locations including the Tsolo Circuit office area, Kobi Flats, and inside victims' homes.
Sentence breakdown and parole restriction
Acting Judge Fikile Ntayiya imposed eight life sentences for the rape convictions, 15 years for each of three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, and 12 months for common robbery. The judge also declared Nyakiso unfit to possess a firearm and recommended that he not be considered for parole until he has served a minimum of 30 years.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
The court heard that Nyakiso, often accompanied by an unidentified accomplice, robbed his victims of cash, bank cards and cellphones during several of the attacks. In one particularly disturbing account, a 16-year-old victim asked Nyakiso how he would feel if someone did the same to his sister. He continued the assault regardless.
DNA evidence secured the conviction
Nyakiso's connection to the Tsolo crimes only came to light after he was arrested for a separate rape in Butterworth, more than 150 kilometres away. Forensic DNA profiling matched samples collected from the Tsolo victims to Nyakiso's profile.
Although he pleaded guilty during the trial, Nyakiso disputed the accuracy of the DNA evidence. In response, State Advocate Avumile Bikitsha called a specialist from the National Forensic Laboratory as one of 45 state witnesses to confirm the integrity of the results.
Judge Ntayiya described Nyakiso as inhumane and noted that he had shown no remorse. The court also noted that a further rape charge remains pending against him before the same court.
Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Samkelo Mtwana said the sentence sent a clear message about the prosecution's position on violent crime, and commended both the investigating officer and prosecuting team for their thorough handling of the case. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Luxolo Tyali confirmed that forensic DNA profiling had been the decisive breakthrough in linking Nyakiso to the string of offences.
Source: Getty Images
More on rape cases and crime
- Briefly News recently reported on a second suspected serial rapist arrested in KwaZulu-Natal within days, and why police say he should not have been free.
- A high-ranking police officer is due in court over alleged rape and grooming charges, and the team that arrested him is linked to a well-known commission.
- A Limpopo man was arrested after his 82-year-old mother was found dead, and the explanation he gave police is now being investigated.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: Briefly News
