Man Sentenced To Life For Rape Of An Adult Male

The Nelspruit Sexual Offences Court, convicted and sentenced Thabo Nkomo (32), from KaNyamazane to life imprisonment for repeatedly raping an adult female. The victim was on her way home, after watching a movie at Riverside Mall, she became ill and decided to walk from Riverside to Rob Ferreira hospital. Along the way, she was approached by the accused, and another unknown male. They offered help to the victim, instead, they took her to a nearby old building and raped her repeatedly. After raping the victim, the unknown co-perpetrator fled the scene, and on his way, he met the SANDF members and inform them about the rape he witnessed. He gave them the location but did not confess that he also took part in the rape. The SANDF members found the accused, raping the victim and alerted the police.

In court, the accused pleaded not guilty and the basis for his plea was that he had a romantic relationship with the victim, and the sexual intercourse was consensual.  State Prosecutor Thembi Mabuza, led evidence of the soldiers and another eyewitness, who found the accused raped the victim. All witnesses testified that the victim was sick and weak. DNA evidence linking the accused with the offence was also handed in court. Mabuza also handed in a Victim Impact Statement, complied by Court Preparation Officer, Zodwa Lekhuleni. The victim detailed how the rape ordeal affected her emotionally and psychologically. The accused was found guilty as charged, and the court found no reason for deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

The National Prosecuting Authority accept the conviction and sentence, as it sends a strong message that our courts take gender-based- violence cases seriously.

Ends,

Monica Nyuswa

Regional Spokesperson

DPP Mpumalanga

Enquiries: mnyuswa@npa.gov.za

0764855446

 

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