Siqokoqela Mphoko bares his soul on rape trail ordeal where he was sentenced to 20 years in prison

SIQOKOQELA Mphoko, the son of former Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko, has spoken out for the first time, following his acquittal of a wrongful conviction of the crime of rape that would have seen him serving an effective 20 years in prison.
He had been Mphoko convicted of raping his 12-year-old niece whom he was looking after at his Hillside home in Bulawayo.

He had allegedly raped the minor three times in two months.
Last week the High Court overturned the sentence and conviction.

In an exclusive no-holds-barred interview today, he poured his heart out to the Chronicle about the series of events that led to him becoming a “public enemy.”
He said the long trial almost ruined the life of his family, adding that he harboured bitter and vile thoughts.
Siqokoqela, however expressed faith in the country’s justice system, which he praised for following through his case and declaring him innocent.
“I feel that the justice system, especially the High Court, seeks real justice and is fair. They look at the facts on merit, and according to the law,” said Siqokoqela.
Siqokoqela said the trial that lasted two years, shocked and depressed him and affected his health.
“When I was wrongly prosecuted, the first thing that came to mind was that my wife and children were exposed. I felt dead and useless. My daughter was still 12, and my son was 11. My wife was as confused as I was. My wife and I turned to one another in court and said we need to be strong and fight this. We only had God on our side,” he said.

He said he remembered vividly how he was shackled and moved to the underground holding cells, after he was sentenced in court.
“With 20 years on my shoulders, I asked myself when and how I was going to see my family. On the day of sentencing when I left home, I told my children I would see them later. And when I was sentenced my wife was tasked with the burden of telling them I have been sentenced to 20 years in jail for a crime as dirty as rape.”
“How would my children face their peers at school? Would I ever be able to tell my children I love them? Will I ever walk my daughter down the aisle? What about my children’s education and their swimming? How will my wife earn a living? These are just but some of the questions that raced in my mind,” said Siqokoqela.
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