The Elukwatini Regional Court has handed down a combined sentence of 105 years’ direct imprisonment to 40-year-old Wonder Thulani Malinga for a series of violent sexual assaults and robberies that terrorised the Nhlazatshe community.

Malinga, a repeat offender, was sentenced on January 19, 2026, following a crime spree that targeted young women in their own homes between March and October 2019.

A reign of terror in Nhlazatshe

According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Monica Nyuswa, Malinga was convicted on nine counts, which included: Three counts of rape, three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, and three counts of housebreaking with intent to commit rape

The Court heard how Malinga methodically targeted young women living alone.

In each instance, he concealed his identity with a balaclava and used a bush knife to threaten his victims.

The first recorded attack occurred on March 3, 2019, when he broke into the home of a 17-year-old girl.

He continued this pattern over several months, attacking two more victims, aged 21 and 22, and stealing their cellular phones.

In a crucial break for the case, one of the stolen phones was later recovered from Malinga’s girlfriend.

DNA and investigation

While most victims could not see their assailant’s face, a third victim was able to identify Malinga, leading to his arrest.

The investigation, led by Detective Sergeant Mmeli Nkosi of the Elukwatini Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, utilised DNA analysis to definitively link Malinga to the other crime scenes.

In court, Malinga pleaded not guilty, offering a defense that the encounters were consensual and that he was in romantic relationships with the victims.

State Prosecutor Mxolisi Biyela dismantled this claim by presenting:Compelling testimony from the survivors. Immediate first reports made by the victims following the attacks.

Recovered stolen property and Positive DNA evidence.

“The accused deliberately planned these offences and violated the victims’ privacy by attacking them in their homes places where they were entitled to feel safe,” he said

Sentencing breakdown

The Presiding Officer condemned Malinga’s actions, emphasiSing the severe impact of gender-based violence and the violation of the victims’ right to feel safe in their homes.

The sentence was structured as follows:

• Rape 3 Counts 45 Years
• Aggravated robbery 3 Counts 45 Years
• Housebreaking with intent 3 Counts 15 Years
• Total tffective Sentence 105 Years

In addition to the prison term, Malinga’s name has been added to the National Register for Sex Offenders. He has also been declared unfit to possess a firearm and unsuitable to work with children.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Elukwatini police station, Warrant Officer Wiseman Nkosi, stated that they welcome the sentencing, noting that the perpetrator deserves the punishment and that it will send a clear message to anyone else who might attempt to commit such crimes.

“The police will not stop in their fight against gender-based violence and in removing perpetrators from our communities. I encourage all community members to report violence, as every matter will be investigated to ensure that offenders receive the punishment they deserve,” he said.