A 58-year-old Mozambican national who terrorised schools across Soweto by breaking into educational institutions, kidnapping staff, committing armed robberies and raping two women has been sentenced to an effective 35 years’ direct imprisonment.
In a statement released on Friday , NPA South Gauteng Spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said Johannes Luis Cumalo was sentenced by the Protea Regional Court on Wednesday after being convicted on multiple charges arising from a string of violent attacks at schools. Although the court imposed a cumulative sentence of 162 years’ imprisonment, several of the sentences will run concurrently, leaving him to serve an effective 35 years behind bars.
Cumalo was found guilty on 12 counts of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, seven counts of kidnapping, four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, two counts of rape and several related offences.
The court heard that Cumalo and his accomplices targeted schools shortly after the Gauteng Department of Education installed smartboard plasma televisions at various institutions. The group repeatedly broke into schools, stealing the newly installed equipment along with other valuable property.
During one of the attacks, the gang encountered school employees inside the premises. The victims were held hostage before being robbed of their personal belongings, while two female employees were raped during the terrifying ordeal.
The investigation took a major turn when Cumalo was arrested in Mpumalanga on an unrelated matter. DNA samples taken from him matched forensic evidence collected from several crime scenes in Soweto, including DNA linked to the rape victims, ultimately tying him to the crimes.
In addition to his prison sentence, the court ordered that Cumalo’s name be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders. He was also declared unfit to work with children and prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The prosecution was led by Advocate Xolani Frank before Magistrate Thupatlase, while the investigation was conducted by Warrant Officer Mathenjwa.
Welcoming the sentence,Mohlatlole said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) praised both the prosecution and the investigating team for ensuring justice was served.
“The NPA commends the prosecutor and the investigating team for their dedication and perseverance in securing justice for the victims. This sentence sends a strong message that perpetrators who commit violent crimes against vulnerable members of society and target educational institutions will be identified, prosecuted, and held accountable,” he said.
