Times Of Swaziland: SUSPECT FACES 17 RAPE  AND ROBBERY CHARGES

SUSPECT FACES 17 RAPE  AND ROBBERY CHARGES
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BY JABULISA DLAMINI  on 18/02/2014 03:55:00


MANZINI – The suspect who allegedly raped women in Matsapha appeared in court
facing 17 rape, robbery and housebreaking charges.
The alleged Matsapha serial rapist shocked people inside the courtroom when he
confessed to having raped some of the women. However, he said he did not rape
the number of women alleged on the charge sheet.
Mcondisi Sinaza Simelane (23) of Zikhotheni appeared before Principal Magistrate
David Khumalo facing 17 rape, robbery and housebreaking with intent to steal and
theft offences.
“Nkosinyenkantolo, ngabalala labanye kepha hhayi bonkhe njengoba
kushiwo’-loosely translated, ‘Your Worship, I did rape some of the women,
however, not all of them as alleged,” Simelane said.
The principal magistrate reminded the suspect that he had not been charged with
rape offences only but had allegedly committed other offences including a string
of robbery and housebreaking offences.
Magistrate Khumalo read part of the charge sheet and asked Simelane if he would
plead guilty or not to the offences he had been charged with.
“I will plead guilty to some of the offences but with reasons as I had not
committed some that I have been alleged to have committed,” the suspect said.
The Senior Public Prosecutor, Sandile Mdluli informed the court that he was
still to consult with the Director of Public Prosecutors on whether the trial
would be held at the magistrates court or the High Court.
“The public prosecutor is still to consult with the DPP’s office which will
indicate if the matter will be trialled at the High Court or here. If the
DPP’s office deems it fit to be tried at the High Court then this court will
remand you from time to time pending your committal at the High Court,” the
principal magistrate said.