When justice prevails the people of Alex celebrate
ALEXANDRA - The community of Alexandra can breath a sigh of relief following the sentencing of notorious serial rapist, Josias Mkansi.
There is some good news worth celebrating with the slaughter of cows for the people of this crime-ridden township of Alexandra.
One of two men who terrorised young girls in Alexandra in a rape spree since 2007 will never get the opportunity to do it again, as he will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Josias Mkansi was given 14 life sentences for multiple rapes, 185 years for assault and another two 10-year sentences for rape when he was sentenced in the South Gauteng High Court for raping girls aged between 13 and 17.
Mkansi’s 14 life sentences will run concurrently as well as the 185 years for 12 counts of aggravated assault, plus an additional two 10-year sentences for compelled rape, in which he forced companions of the girls to also rape the victims while he watched. He was also convicted of theft and kidnapping.
What a relief that he is not walking Alex’s streets anymore. The terrifying rape spree was started by Mkansi’s convicted partner in crime, Sija Robin Mabitsela (37) of 20th Avenue, who will be sentenced on 16 November in the same court.
Mabitsela pleaded guilty to 76 counts of rape and compelled rape, but was not sentenced as the court still wants to obtain statements from the men who Mabitsela forced at gunpoint to rape their partners, before passing sentence.
The sentencing of Mkansi (48) of 19th Avenue, Alexandra, a former parolee who committed the crimes while on parole for attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm, will bring much-needed relief and hopefully closure for his many victims and the community of Alexandra, terrorised during his reign of terror.
Mkansi and Mabitsela were infamously known as the ‘balaclava rapists’. They used to waylay their victims in a local recreational park and a cemetery that was used as a thoroughfare to other sections of Alex.
They would take turns to rape the girls in front of their powerless partners and, as if this was not enough of an evil act, they would later force the male companions to also have sex with the girls while they watched. After this, they would then rob them of their cellphones, money and other belongings before ordering them to walk away and not look back.
All this was done under the cover of darkness and sometimes the victims and their companions would be frog-marched to secluded spots before the rapes, robbery and theft. The kidnapping charges were added to the rape charges because the victims were taken to secluded spots where the sordid acts took place.
Mkansi was arrested on 8 June last year when he was traced and found in possession of one of the victim’s cellphones. DNA tests further linked him to the multiple rapes. Mabitsela was arrested two months later. He too was linked to the rapes through DNA.
Residents of Alexandra are extremely relieved that this chapter of rape terror is finally over and that Mkansi will never again see the light of day. They hope that this sentence will deter others from committing similar offences.
Rape is a repulsive crime which not only strips women of their dignity but leaves victims with a life sentence of their own.
