The High Court in Johannesburg has sentenced a 30-year-old e-hailing driver to two life terms for rape and kidnapping.

Emmanuel Mudau was sentenced to two life imprisonment terms plus 60 years for four counts of rape, four of kidnapping, and two of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

According to the national prosecuting authority regional spokesperson for Gauteng division, Phindi Mjonondwane, Mudau was registered as a driver with Bolt, and between January and February 2022, he targeted women who requested transportation from Cosmo City to various destinations using the Bolt App. “The four complainants testified that as soon as they entered Mudau’s vehicle, he refused to take them to their intended destinations and took them to secluded areas where he instructed them to undress and raped them.” In two separate incidents, the complainants tried to run away; one was stabbed, and the other was strangled to succumb to his demands.” 

“One of the complainants testified in aggravation of sentence, painting the gruesome picture of how living with the trauma and fear has become part of her life and that she believes that she will live with it for the rest of her life,” added Mjonondwane.

State Advocate Coleen Ryan echoed her sentiments when she argued that the court should not deviate from the ordained sentences, stating that these women have been scared for the rest of their lives. “As we reflect on this outcome, our thoughts are with the complainants and their families. They suffered immeasurable pain, and the memory of this ordeal will remain etched in their minds for a lifetime. We, however, hope that they find solace in the fact that the perpetrator has been removed from society.”

The NPA commended the commitment from Adv. Ryan and the investigating officer, Sergeant Mokwai, for their efforts in delivering justice. “We also extend our gratitude to Court Preparation Officers Judin Mbalati and Jennifer Sibisi for their unwavering support to the complainants, making sure that they were prepared to tell their ordeal in court,” concluded Mjonondwa