Convicted killer and rapist Mxolisi Rwaqa was sentenced to two life sentences and several added years behind bars.
Rwaqa heard his fate at the Cape Town High Court on Monday June 12 where acting judge Melanie Holderness handed down the two life sentences, one for murdering 14-year-old Amani Pula from Masiphumelele, one for the raping a 24-year-old woman, five years for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily
harm, a year for house break-ins at
homes in Fish Hoek and another year for theft.
Amani’s half naked body was found by his uncle in his home in Masiphumelele on September 15 2015 with his hands tied behind his back.
His murder sparked violent protests by Masi residents demanding better services from police, more effective policing and presence.
This led to the stoning of police, a police vehicle was set alight and one man was killed in the initial protest.
For months following the murder residents enforced mob justice and several vigilante killings as a warning to criminals.
Rwanqa was arrested on Thurs-
day November 5, 2015 – initially for
possession of stolen property but
Ocean View detectives successfully linked Rwanqa to Amani’s murder through DNA.
Investigating officer from Ocean View police Warrant Officer Minnaar van der Merwe said it was a relief to take someone as dangerous as Rwanqa off the streets.
“We are happy that we were able to remove someone so extremely dangerous to society off of the street so that people can be safe from someone like that”, said Warrant Officer Van der Merwe.
“We as Ocean View police are also pleased that we could provide some sort of closure to Amani’s family. It can’t bring him back but the perpetrator has been caught,” he added.