LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPIST

02 OCTOBER 2025

LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPIST

The Nkandla Regional Court has sentenced a 41-year-old man to a term of life imprisonment for the rape of a 17-year-old girl. The incident took place in November 2022. The accused and the complainant were known to each other, as the complainant rented a room on the accused’s family property. In the early hours of the morning of the offence, the accused went to the complainant’s room and knocked on the door. When she opened the door, he went in and raped her.

The next morning, the complainant went to school and reported the incident. She also informed her mother and the accused’s mother. She then reported the incident to the police, and she was taken to a local hospital for examination. The accused handed himself over to the police the following day. Representing the state, Prosecutor Philile Shilenge led the testimonies of the complainant, the first report and the complainant’s mother. The doctor testified on behalf of the state, and DNA evidence linking the accused to the offence also formed part of the state’s case. A Victim Impact Statement, compiled by the complainant and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Amanda Pretty Nxumalo, was also handed in to court.

Therein, the complainant said that the incident has affected her both psychologically and academically, as she has also done poorly at school. She said that she still has nightmares about what happened and feels trapped in her own body. The accused was sentenced accordingly, with the court ordering that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The NPA welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter, and we remain committed to pursuing justice for the victims of crime.

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

NPA Regional Spokesperson

KZN Division

0716700229