Man given two life sentences for raping, killing 13-year-old

A man was given two life sentences in the Pongola High Court on Wednesday for raping and murdering a 13-year-old girl, KwaZulu-Natal police said.

Jabulani Gumbi, 29, pleaded guilty to raping, robbing and killing the girl, Captain Thulani Zwane said.

Gumbi was also sentenced to five years for the robbery. On February 12, Zamile Zikhali was walking home in the Jozini area when Gumbi approached her.

Gumbi proposed love to her, but she rejected his advances.

"He then grabbed her and raped her before killing her in the bushes," Zwane said.

When she did not return home her parents went to the police. Her body was found in the veld on February 18. Gumbi was arrested in the Ingwavuma area on February 21.