SELF PROCLAIMED PROPHET SENTENCED TO TWO LIFE TERMS.
The Soshanguve Magistrate Court has sentenced self-proclaimed prophet Delani Erick Zwane (28) to two life sentences for raping two minor girls. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) applauded the Soshanguve Magistrates’ Court’s sentence to two life sentences for raping two underage females, ages 14 and 15, at the time of the event. Zwane was initially charged with three counts of rape, but one case of rape of an 18-yearold woman was dropped. All of the victims are from the Soshanguve, Pretoria.
According to NPA Regional Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, “the two minor girls were friends and consulted with Zwane on various occasions in 2018.” They were given a spiked drink, after which he demanded that they undress so that they could steam. He raped them while steaming and threatened to kill them with “muti,” a traditional Chinese medicine, if they told anybody about it.”
Although Zwane pleaded not guilty to the accusations, the state was able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he did commit the offenses for which he was charged. “There can be no greater crime than depriving a kid of her innocence, especially a vulnerable youngster,” prosecutor Sifiso Hlongwane claimed in his closing argument.
He further reminded the court that, according to one of the victim impact statements, one of the victims was a virgin at the time of the occurrence, and Zwane robbed her of her pride. He further begged the court not to overlook the fact that the country has a high rate of GenderBased Violence (GBV) against women and children.A mother of one of the girls went to see another Prophet in February 2019, who informed her that her child had been raped by Zwane.
The mother approached the child, who confirmed it as well as telling her about her pal. In an attempt to confront Zwane, the victims’ parents went to his house. He fled for six months after seeing community members in his yard from a distance, but subsequently returned and handed himself over to the police on September 25, 2019. He was apprehended and detained.” Mahanjana remarked.
BY: KHENSANI KHOZA.
