Life imprisonment for raping an elderly relative

 Life imprisonment for raping an elderly relative

The Maphumulo Regional Court sentenced a 34-year-old man to life imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to rape and rape he committed in December 2021, in the Nsuze area. On the day of the incident, the complainant (63) had attended Christmas celebrations with her immediate and extended family. She then returned to her house to get some sleep and she was awakened by the man breaking into her house through a window. She recognised him as one of her family members who was also at the party. He assaulted her several times, demanding money from her. He then raped her several times and eventually fell asleep in her bedroom. The woman crept out and ran to her neighbour’s house and contacted her family members. The woman’s granddaughter arrived there to find the man asleep in the house, and she took photos of him. The woman was taken to the KwaDukuza Thuthuzela Care Centre, where she received medical and psycho-social assistance. The man managed to escape from the house and was arrested in Gauteng a few months later.

In court, the Regional Court Prosecutor, Bongani Sibisi led the evidence of several family members, as well as the photographs taken by the woman’s granddaughter. Evidence of a medical doctor who testified on the extent of the injuries suffered by the woman was also led in court. Sibisi handed in a Victim Impact Statement compiled by the woman and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer, Henry Bhekuyise Nduli. In her statement, the woman said that she was pained because the man was like a grandson to her, and she never expected to be attacked by him. She further stated that she feels embarrassed to go into the community and that the assault has left her with physical scars.

The man was sentenced accordingly and also declared unfit to possess a firearm. The NPA welcomes this successful prosecution. It is our mandate to protect the most vulnerable in society, the elderly in this case. We commend the work done by the prosecution and the police in securing the conviction.

Issued by,

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

NPA Regional Spokesperson

KZN Division

Enquiries: nramkisson@npa.gov.za / 0716700229