In a landmark judgment hailed across the country, the Gqeberha High Court has handed eight life sentences to Moses Gqesha (45) after convicting him on 12 charges including rape, kidnapping, and robbery. The ruling marks a powerful stance by the judiciary in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa.
The case centered around the harrowing 2020 abduction and repeated rape of respected activist and entrepreneur Andisiwe Kawa, a prominent voice in women’s empowerment circles. Gqesha lured Kawa under the guise of a business opportunity, pretending to be a building contractor. Once he gained her trust, he kidnapped her at gunpoint, held her hostage for days, and subjected her to brutal sexual assaults and emotional torture—all while robbing her of her possessions and peace of mind.
The court heard chilling details of Kawa’s captivity, during which she was not only physically violated but psychologically broken down. The presiding judge did not mince words, calling Gqesha’s actions “calculated, callous, and cruel.”
“The trauma inflicted is lifelong. This court has a duty to reflect society’s condemnation of such inhumane acts,” the judge declared during sentencing.
The defense’s appeal for leniency was swiftly and firmly rejected, setting a precedent for how serious sexual violence cases should be handled by the judiciary.
🔥 A Turning Point in the GBV Crisis?
Women’s rights activists have praised the ruling as a milestone moment in the war against GBV, saying it could signal a turning tide in how South Africa prosecutes and punishes perpetrators of violence against women.
“This is what justice looks like,” said a spokesperson for the Women’s Legal Centre. “We need more judges to send this same message: If you violate a woman, you will pay.”
The conviction has also reignited national debate around women’s safety, systemic failures in handling sexual assault cases, and the ongoing struggle many survivors face when seeking justice.
Andisiwe Kawa’s courage in confronting her attacker and enduring the trauma of a public trial has inspired thousands, drawing attention to the resilience of survivors—and the responsibility of the legal system to protect them.
As the country continues to grapple with one of the highest rates of GBV in the world, this case offers both hope and a warning: predators will be caught, and justice will be served.
📌 For survivors of GBV seeking help, call the GBV Command Centre at 0800 428 428 or send a ‘please call me’ to 1207867#.
