LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPIST

20 JUNE 2025

LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPIST

The Mtubatuba Regional Court has sentenced a 47-year-old man to life imprisonment for the rape (on diverse occasions) of a minor girl in the Zwenelisha area of Mtubatuba. The complainant, who was 14 years old at the time, was related to the accused, as he was her mother’s uncle. Between 2021 and 2023 the accused raped the complainant on diverse occasions. Before raping her, he would place a firearm nearby thus instilling fear in her. Due to this, the complainant did not report the incidents. At some point in 2023, the complainant moved to the Jozini area and thought that she had escaped the accused because she was living far away from him.

However, a few months later, she saw him parked outside her school and was convinced that he was following her. She then went home and overdosed on tablets. She was rushed to hospital where she mentioned to the doctor attending to her that she had attempted suicide because she had seen her relative who had been raping her. Whilst at the hospital, the complainant was visited by a social worker who then opened a case on her behalf.

Representing the state, Prosecutor Siphelele Precious Mdluli led the testimonies of the complainant, her mother, the medical doctor, as well as the social worker. The J88 form was also submitted to the court as evidence. In addition. Ms. Mdluli handed in a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) compiled by the complainant and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Sthembile Cebekhulu. In her statement, the complainant mentioned that the incident has left an indelible mark on her life, affecting her self-esteem, her academic performance and overall well-being. She said that the accused had stolen her innocence and damaged her self-worth.

The accused was sentenced accordingly, and he was declared unfit to possess a firearm. Further, the court ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

This sentence underscores the seriousness with which the justice system treats crimes against the most vulnerable members of our society. The NPA remains resolute in our pursuit of justice for victims of gender-based violence and child abuse.
 

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara
NPA Regional Spokesperson
KZN Division
071 6700 229