Umzimkhulu man sentenced to six life terms for raping six women - IOL

KwaZulu-Natal police have welcomed the sentencing of 33-year- old Umzimkhulu serial rapist Tenes Hassan to six life terms in prison for raping six women in the area between January and December 2022.

KwaZulu-Natal police have welcomed the sentencing of 33-year- old Umzimkhulu serial rapist Tenes Hassan to six life terms in prison for raping six women in the area between January and December 2022.

Hassan was convicted of attacking the women at their homes, where he also robbed them of their cell phones and money.

The Kokstad Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit played a key role in the investigation, with detectives using DNA evidence to link Hassan to the rape cases.

KZN police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said detectives worked to gather evidence that connected Hassan to the offences.

“The Kokstad Family Violence Child Protection Unit detectives collected pieces of evidence and linked Hassan to old rape cases through the DNA,” said Netshiunda.

In addition to the six life sentences, Hassan was sentenced to a further eight years in prison for housebreaking.

His name will also be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Netshiunda said police welcomed the sentence and remained committed to tackling violence against women and children in the province.

The case highlights the role of forensic evidence in linking repeat offenders to sexual offences and securing convictions.

Hassan’s sentencing comes amid South Africa’s ongoing struggle with gender-based violence and violence against women and children.