21-Year-Old Jailed For 160 Years Over Child Rape

A 21-year-old man, Akhanya Makeleni, has been jailed for an effective 160 years after admitting to 24 charges linked to the sexual abuse of three children between 2023 and 2025.

The victims, who were between 10 and 12 years old, were related to Makeleni. He pleaded guilty to offences that included rape, exposing the children to sexually explicit images and threatening to kill them if they revealed the abuse.

Reports also indicate that Makeleni knew he was HIV-positive.

The offences were uncovered after one of the victims developed a painful, swollen abdomen and confided in her aunt. Her disclosure prompted the other children to speak out about what they had allegedly endured.

During sentencing, Judge Nozuko Mjali dismissed Makeleni’s attempt to attribute his actions to substance use, describing him as a serial rapist and sexual predator.

The case was prosecuted by State Advocate Tanduxolo Soga, with the sentencing announced by the National Prosecuting Authority.

The lengthy prison term highlights the seriousness of the offences and the importance of protecting children from sexual abuse, intimidation and exploitation.