GQEBERHA – A 40-year-old man who allegedly subjected his partner to a two-day ordeal of extreme violence, including biting, beating, throwing urine over her and rape, has been sentenced to life in prison.
The Gqeberha Regional Court sentenced Bheki Laduma to life in prison on two counts of rape and an additional 10 years for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. His name has been entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and he has been declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The court heard harrowing details of the attack that began on 7 July 2024, when Laduma’s 35-year-old partner, with whom he lived in Airport Valley, Walmer, requested permission to attend a traditional ceremony after they had been drinking together.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) the request triggered a violent rage in Laduma, who launched an assault on his partner.
“Laduma became enraged and attacked her, biting her on the forehead and mouth, kicking and punching her in the face, causing serious injuries that left her unable to walk. He then threw a bucket of urine over her because she was bleeding and proceeded to rape her,” the NPA said in a statement.
The ordeal allegedly continued the following morning when Laduma raped his victim again before leaving the house.
During the trial, the accused denied the rape charges, claiming the victim had provoked him, though he admitted to the assault.
Regional Court Prosecutor Advocate Kenny van Biljon presented compelling evidence from the victim, her neighbours and a forensic nurse from the Thuthuzela Care Centre who had examined the complainant. The court found Laduma guilty on all charges, satisfied that the evidence proved his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
In determining the sentence, the prosecution emphasised the brutality and humiliation of the attack, the sustained injuries suffered by the victim, and the fact that the abuse occurred over two consecutive days. Despite Laduma being a first-time offender, the court ruled that the gravity of the crimes warranted the prescribed maximum sentences.
Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Barry Madolo welcomed the sentence and commended the prosecution team, police and the Thuthuzela Care Centre for their professionalism and diligence.
“This case underscores the NPA’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence and domestic abuse,” said Madolo. “The severity of the injuries and the circumstances of this case reflect the brutal reality faced by many victims. We shall continue to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and removed from our communities.”
