Man Gets 30 Years in Prison for Attempted Rape of Woman in Kwazakele

• Xolani Busakhwe, 36, received two 15-year sentences at the Gqeberha Regional Court on 9 October 2026 for attempted rape
• The offences took place at the victim's home in Kwazakele, where Busakhwe entered her room while she slept
• Sergeant Kelibone Mokhatla of the Motherwell FCS Unit led the investigation and drew widespread praise on social media

EASTERN CAPE — A 36-year-old man has been handed a combined 30-year prison sentence after being convicted on two counts of attempted rape at the Regional Court sitting at the Gqeberha Magistrate Courts on 9 October 2026.

Xolani Busakhwe received 15 years on each count, with the sentences set to run consecutively. He was also placed on the National Register for Offenders following the verdict.

Offences committed at victim's home

The crimes occurred on 2 November 2024 at the victim's residence in Maronga Street, Kwazakele. According to the South African Police Service, Busakhwe was the boyfriend of the victim's mother. He entered the victim's room while she was asleep.

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Busakhwe had been out on bail throughout the duration of the court proceedings before being sentenced.

Sergeant Mokhatla praised for investigation

The case was investigated by Detective Sergeant Kelibone Mokhatla of the Motherwell Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. Acting District Commissioner Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo commended the quality of the investigation and underscored the importance of treating gender-based violence cases with urgency.

The SAPS announcement on social media drew an outpouring of congratulations directed at Sergeant Mokhatla, with many users calling her work exemplary.

@Alex Guava Ziyavova wrote:

"Is not the first time you post this lady with this beautiful success. But you still keeping her at the rank of Sgt. I know she has a tertiary qualification. Please promote individuals like her."

@Mlulami Theo Mafani said:

"Congratulations Keli my dearest friend... Sebenzile sisi."

@Sibusiso Mbeje added:

"Well done Sgt 👏👏 Keep it up 🤝."

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@Siphokazi Halakazi Gambula commented:

"Congratulations mummy 🎉🥳 I am so proud of you 👏🏾."

@Andile Janda wrote:

"Keep on the good work you're doing detective... Bravo."

See the Facebook post below:

More on gender-based violence and South African courts

• Briefly News recently reported that ANC member Sello Gemba faces a criminal case over alleged rape and death threats against march leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma.
• Traditional healer William Thibedi was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of murdering Pule Moilwa in the North West.
• An 18-year-old complainant told a court she lives in constant fear for her safety if former top cop Shadrack Sibiya is granted bail.

Source: Briefly News