The Mpumalanga High Court has sentenced Derrick Fanikie Mnisi (39) of Shabalala Trust to two life sentences plus 15 years’ imprisonment for raping two women, kidnapping his victims and committing aggravated robbery.

The crimes were committed in Shabalala Trust and Dwarsloop between March 2022 and October 2023. Mnisi and an accomplice, who is still at large, forced their way into victims’ homes at gunpoint, raped them and stole their belongings.

One victim was raped in front of her three-year-old child, while another was assaulted in the presence of her husband after the couple was abducted.

Mnisi was arrested at a hideout in Marite after DNA evidence linked him to the crimes. The court also heard that he has previous convictions and is already serving a sentence for escaping from lawful custody.