KEY POINTS
- Bonginkosi Ngcingci, a paroled rapist, was sentenced to 15 years for raping another woman while on parole.
- Ngcingci’s claim of a consensual relationship was dismissed by the court after his testimony unraveled under cross-examination.
- The case raises concerns about the parole system and the need for stricter oversight of repeat offenders to prevent further crimes.
A repeat offender Bonginkosi Ngcingci in the Eastern Cape has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping a woman while on parole for a previous rape conviction.
Bonginkosi Ngcingci, 36, will first serve the remainder of his initial sentence before starting the new term, the Makhanda Regional Court ruled.
Ngcingci, who had been released after serving 10 years of a 15-year sentence for rape, robbery, and housebreaking, was arrested again for raping a 26-year-old woman in December 2023.
The incident occurred in Makhanda’s Joza Location, where Ngcingci followed the victim and her friend from a local hangout spot.
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali, “An altercation occurred between them when he demanded to speak to the victim despite her resistance. Her friend intervened, and the altercation ended with the accused throwing alcohol on the victim.”
Later, the victim returned home to find Ngcingci waiting on her bed, armed with a knife. “He immediately grabbed her and threatened to kill her if she resisted or made a noise. He proceeded to rape her, after which he demanded that she walk him out at around 5am, so that people would think he had slept over by agreement,” Tyali said.
The woman, fearing for her life, complied but later sought help from her brother, who chased Ngcingci but failed to apprehend him.
Ngcingci: Court rejects his claims of consensual relationship
TheCitizen reports that during the trial, Ngcingci pleaded not guilty, claiming that the sexual encounter was consensual and that he was in a relationship with the victim.
However, under cross-examination by prosecutor Khwezikazi Makonti, his story fell apart.
“He changed tune and said the complainant had demanded money after sexual intercourse, but he could not find the money and suspected it was stolen by her,” Tyali explained. Ngcingci failed to explain why he never reported the alleged theft to the police, further undermining his credibility.
The court dismissed his defense as implausible and sentenced him to 15 years for the rape. Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Barry Madolo welcomed the ruling, commending the prosecutor for securing justice for the victim and her family. “The NPA daily prosecutes hundreds of such matters that affect the safety and wellbeing of our communities and to ensure justice for victims of crime,” Tyali added.
This case highlights the challenges of rehabilitating repeat offenders and the importance of stringent parole conditions.
Ngcingci’s actions have reignited debates about the effectiveness of the parole system and the need for stricter monitoring of high-risk offenders.
