Phone sends rapist to jail for life!

Share current article via FacebookShare current article via PinterestShare current article via WhatsAppShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInNewsPhone sends rapist to jail for life!By: Lesiba Dikhoba • 38m agoAdd as a preferred source on GoogleFollow on Google NewsListen to this article-00:00lead-art-block.fullscreen-enterExpandJoseph Lebenya has been jailed for life for raping a gogo in her Bhekuzulu Township home, Vryheid. (Photo only used for illustrative purposes). Attacker identified after leaving cellphone at crime sceneFOLLOWING a horrific ordeal in her own home, a brave elderly woman has seen her attacker get life behind bars after the rapist left his cellphone in a jacket while fleeing.

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Joseph Lebenya (41) was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and a further five years for housebreaking by the Vryheid Regional Court on Tuesday, 20 October.

The attack happened in Bhekuzulu township, Vryheid, late on 17 December 2023.

Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Magwaza said the terrified 61-year-old gogo was asleep when she was suddenly woken up by someone touching her.

As she was trying to establish what was happening, an unknown intruder covered her mouth with his hand, undressed her and raped her. The assailant had gained entry through one of the windows in the house, said Magwaza.

Despite her age, after the attack, the elderly woman bravely fought with the rapist and managed to grab his jacket as he fled.

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But the panicked suspect left the jacket behind, with his own cellphone still tucked inside one of the pockets.

Magwaza said the traumatic case was reported at the Vryheid Police Station and thoroughly investigated by the Vryheid Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.

Dedicated detectives used the concrete evidence collected during the investigation to actively identify Lebenya as the suspect.

He had cowardly fled the area but was finally arrested on 15 May 2025 and criminally charged with rape and housebreaking.

His bail was strongly opposed by the investigating officer, and he rightly remained in custody while the case proceeded.

Lebenya was later found fully guilty by the court, which also declared him completely unfit to possess a firearm.

A South African journalist passionate about telling stories that inform, engage and make an impact. He covers breaking news, crime, courts, and community issues, with a focus on producing accurate, compelling journalism that resonates with readers.

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