Johannesburg – The Bolt driver convicted of rape and kidnapping female customers has been sentenced to two life terms plus 60 years.
Serial rapist 30-year-old Emmanuel Mudau was registered as a driver with Bolt.
Between January and February 2022, Mudau targeted women who requested transportation from Cosmo City to various destinations, using the Bolt App.
This week the High Court of South Africa: Gauteng Division, Johannesburg sentenced the former e-hailing driver to two life imprisonment terms, plus 60 years for four counts of rape and kidnapping, and two cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The four complainants testified that as soon as they entered Mudau’s vehicle, he refused to take them to their intended destinations.
Instead, Mudau drove to secluded areas, where he forced the women to undress before he raped them.
In two separate incidents, the complainants tried to run away, one was stabbed, and the other was strangled to succumb to his demands.
One of the complainants testified in aggravation of sentence, painting the gruesome picture of how living with the trauma and fear has become part of her life.
The rape survivor fears that she will live with the trauma for the rest of her life.
State Advocate, Coleen Ryan, echoed her sentiments when she argued that the court should not deviate from the ordained sentences, stating that these women have been scared for the rest of their lives.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng Spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said: “As we reflect on this outcome, our thoughts are with the complainants and their families.
“They suffered immeasurable pain, and the memory of this ordeal will remain irked in their minds for a lifetime.
“We, however, hope that they find solace in that the perpetrator has been removed from society.”
Mjonondwane said the NPA commends the commitment from Advocate Ryan and investigating officer, Sergeant Mokwai for their efforts in delivering justice.
“We also extend our gratitude to Court Preparation Officers, Judin Mbalati and Jennifer Sibisi for their unwavering support to the complainants, making sure that they were prepared to tell their ordeal in court,” said Mjonondwane.
