KZN killer sentenced to two life terms for murdering teenage girl

Sosha Lamulani Nkosi, 28, was sentenced to life imprisonment on 12 December 2019, in the Mtunzini High Court in KZN for murder, rape and kidnapping. 

His sentence came after the court heard how he brutally raped and killed a teenager in Mahlabathini, KZN four years earlier. 

The brutal murder and rape of a teenager 

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), Ayanda Buthelezi, just 14-years-old, boarded a taxi to a church service at KwaMnyandu in Mahlabathini on 28 November 2015.  

When she got out of the taxi, the accused, who was also in the taxi, jumped off. He dragged the victim to a nearby bush where she was tied with a rope.

The accused repeatedly raped the victim who was held in the bushes for seven days without food. 

On 4 December 2015, Ayanda’s lifeless body was found in the bushes. 

KZN killer arrested 

Charges of murder, rape and kidnapping were opened at Mahlabathini SAPS for investigation. 

Mahlabathini Detectives conducted a meticulous investigation and the accused was arrested. He made several court appearances up until his sentencing on 12 December. 

“We hope that this sentence will send a stern warning to other criminals targeting defenceless women and children. We also hope that this sentence will bring closure to the family,” said KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner, Khombinkosi Jula.

KZN rape statistics 

There has been a steady increase in rape incidents in KZN from 2017 to 2019. In 2017, the number of reported incidents were 7 032. In 2018, they were 7 2 43 and in 2019, they are currently at 7 582. 

The murder statistics in KZN have dropped from 2018 to 2019. In 2018, the number of reported murders were at 4 382 and in 2019, they are at 4 311. 2017 to 2018 saw the worst increase from 4 014 to 4 382. 

Sexual offences, in general, have been climbing in KZN for the last two years. In 2017, the number of reported sexual offences stood at 8 484 and a year later, it was at 8 759. This year it’s at 9 202. 

The total amount of sexual offences reported from 2010 to 2019 is a horrific 106 887.

The total amount of sexual offences in 2019 in Mahlabathini, where the teenager was brutally raped and murdered is 38.