NPA wins two major GBV convictions

South Africa’s fight against gender-based violence has received a boost after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) secured two major convictions in the Eastern Cape. Two men were sentenced to life imprisonment in separate cases for rape, kidnapping, robbery, and breaching a protection order, showing the NPA’s continued resolve to deliver justice for victims of violent crimes.

In the first case, the Butterworth Regional Court sentenced 29-year-old Mvuseleli Mboxwana to life imprisonment for raping two women in separate incidents. He was also handed an additional eight years for kidnapping and violating a protection order.

According to the NPA, the crimes were committed two months apart in the Phumlani informal settlement in Butterworth. On 22 May 2025, Mboxwana went to the home of a 23-year-old woman, the girlfriend of his incarcerated friend, under the pretense of delivering toiletries. Once inside, he locked the door and repeatedly raped her throughout the night while her baby was present. The next morning, the victim escaped and sought help from a neighbour, who accompanied her to the police station. She later received medical care and counselling at the Butterworth Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC).

Two months later, on 28 July 2025, Mboxwana attacked his 33-year-old ex-girlfriend, who had a protection order against him. He confronted her while she was walking home from a party, assaulted her, cut her hair with a knife, and dragged her to his house, where he raped her multiple times through the night. The following morning, she managed to escape and report the incident to police.

Police tracked Mboxwana down in the nearby New Rest informal settlement, where he had fled to evade arrest. During the trial, he denied all charges, but Regional Court Prosecutor Tembeka Tsofela presented strong evidence, including testimony from both victims, medical experts, and witnesses. The court rejected his version as false and convicted him on all counts.

Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Barry Madolo commended the investigators, TCC staff, and prosecution team for securing the conviction. “The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crime are permanently removed from society,” he said.

In the second case, the Willowvale Regional Court sentenced 30-year-old Khanyisa Golivi to life imprisonment for rape and an additional 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances.

On the morning of 31 May 2021, Golivi broke into the home of a 37-year-old woman in Willowvale. He threatened her with a knife and robbed her of her cellphone, purse, and bankcards. Before leaving, he returned, forced her onto the bed, and raped her several times before fleeing the scene.

Police acted swiftly after the victim reported the crime. Officers recalled seeing a man matching the suspect’s description nearby and arrested him in possession of the stolen items. DNA evidence taken from the victim at the Butterworth Thuthuzela Care Centre linked Golivi directly to the crime.

Regional Court Prosecutor Thando Humana led the case, presenting both the DNA results and the victim’s testimony. The court found Golivi’s denial baseless and described him as unremorseful. The Victim Impact Statement submitted by Court Preparation Officer Brenda Kapa detailed the psychological trauma suffered by the victim, who now lives in fear and struggles with depression.

NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the convictions represented significant progress in the justice system’s fight against gender-based violence. “The NPA welcomes these outcomes as they reaffirm our commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and to restoring dignity to victims,” he said. “Through strong collaboration with investigators, medical experts, and Thuthuzela Care Centres, justice can and will continue to be served.”

Gender-based violence remains one of South Africa’s most serious social challenges, with thousands of cases reported each year. The NPA has continued to prioritise such cases by strengthening prosecution teams and expanding the network of Thuthuzela Care Centres, which provide medical, counselling, and legal support to victims.

Both Mboxwana and Golivi will serve life sentences, marking two important victories for the NPA and a clear warning that violence against women will not go unpunished.