A "FACEBOOK serial rapist" has been sentenced to two life terms plus an additional 124 years for rape.
He was also convicted of robbery and assault.
Judge Kgama Shai in the Mbombela High Court sentenced Mcolisi Mthombothi (27) on Tuesday, 12 September.
The Eswatini man pleaded guilty to 12 counts of rape he committed between 2020 and 2021 in Matsulu and Kaapmuiden.
The first crime he committed was on 24 April 2020, where he assaulted the victim and raped her in a bushy area at Kaapmuiden.
He further stole her cellphone, cash and a travel bag.
He was arrested in September 2022 after news came out about a serial rapist preying on women in the Matsulu area.
A woman who almost fell victim to the accused led the police to Mthombothi.
An identification parade was conducted, and DNA confirmed that he was the person who raped the victims.
Mthombothi met some of these victims on Facebook on different occasions.
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The court heard that the accused used a false name and photographs on his Facebook profile.
Most women began a love relationship with the accused online without meeting face-to-face.
He told the court through a statement read by his lawyer, Nonhlanhla Mthethwa, that his reign of terror started when his sister chased her out of her home.
He said he had to live alone, and it was difficult for him to fend for himself.
Mthombothi said he had never met all the victims before and would commit crimes against them, adding that he would force them to call family members and demand money deposited into his account.
"I did not have money to rent the rooms where I was renting to stay. I then decided to commit robberies to raise some money for rental. I started to befriend most of the victims on Facebook, and we would connect," he said
Mthombothi further said after the connection was established, he would invite them to come over to see him in Matsulu.
"When the victims came, I would surprise and rob them of their belongings. During the robbery, I would then have some urge and decide to rape most of the victims," he said.
Mthombothi said that one of the victims came to see him on the pretext that she would get a job.
"I then robbed her of her belongings and raped her as well. I am deeply sorry for what I did to these victims, " he said
Judge Shai said the accused was effectively sentenced to life imprisonment.
Provincial National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokeswoman Monica Nyuswa said they welcome the sentence imposed on the accused.
"We warn the public to be cautious when using social media platforms, especially when they decide to meet up with their new friends," she said.
