The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the sentencing of Thokozani Jiyane, 23, (nicknamed Facebook rapist) by the Johannesburg High court
After the eight life sentences, Jiyane was further sentenced to 223 years after being found guilty of 17 counts of rape and 10 counts of robberies with aggravating circumstances, two counts of kidnapping and assault GBH and three counts of fraud.
SAPS report, “Jiyane started his reign of terror in Reigerpark, Boksburg and became known as the Facebook rapist in December 2019. He lured his victims on Facebook after pretending to be in the filming industry and offering jobs to unsuspecting women. He promised his victims work in the industry while others he promised them to promote his clothing label.”
Afriquebeat reported that as soon as Thokozani’s victims gave in to his entices, Jiyane would request their photos. “He would later arrange a meeting with them and requested that they travel by taxi to Angelo informal settlement in Boksburg. This is where he would ambush them to walk in a secluded bushy area and later strangle them before raping and robbing them of their belongings.”
Jiyane’s victims came as far as from Middleburg in Mpumalanga, Hammanskraal, KwaMhlanga, Soweto, Vosloorus and Westonaria.
Gauteng Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General DT Mthombeni congratulated the investigating team and commended them for a job well done.
He said, “This shows the commitment the SAPS in the form of FCS has in ensuring that women are protected and crimes against women are investigated fully,” He added, “The SAPS has prioritised crimes against women and children and has committed to do everything in their power to ensure that those targeting women are brought to book.”
Captain SM Manaka of FCS unit in Brakpan arrested Jiyane in March 2020 in Angelo squatter camp in Boksburg. The offences were committed over the period December 2019 until February 2020. The modus operandi in all the cases was the same and Jiyane was positively identified by six of the victims during an identity parade.
