LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPIST
25 JUNE 2025
LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPIST
The Mtubatuba Regional Court has sentenced a 49-year-old man to life imprisonment for the rape of a 41-year-old woman in August 2022. The man and the complainant were known to each other and the offence took place in the Makhowe area of Hluhluwe.
On the evening of 05 August 2022, the complainant was walking home, after spending time at her neighbour's house, when she saw the accused standing near the gate of her homestead. She immediately recognised him as he was known to her and because the outdoor lights from the neighbours house enabled her to see clearly. She tried to run but fell backwards. The accused pressed her down and repeatedly assaulted her on her face with a clenched fist and an open hand. While the complainant was fighting to get up, the accused placed a knife at her chest and threatened to kill her. He then raped her, kicked her, swore at her, and fled the scene.
The complainant who was bleeding from her face got up and went into her homestead where she reported the incident to her sister. The neighbours and community members were also alerted, and the accused was traced to his homestead and arrested. The complainant was taken to a nearby hospital where she was examined by a doctor. The doctor noted that she had bruises and cuts on her face and her lips, DNA samples were also taken.
Representing the state, the prosecutor, Siphelele Precious Mdluli led the evidence of the complainant, her sister (the first report), and the doctor who examined her. The state further submitted the J88 form and DNA evidence, linking the accused to the case.
While the state had charged the accused with rape read with the minimum sentence for life imprisonment, alleging that the accused had inflicted grievous bodily harm on the complainant, the court found that the injuries were not grievous, but rather that of common assault. This finding by the court meant that the accused could have been given a sentence lesser than that of life imprisonment.
However, Ms. Mdluli convinced the court to impose life imprisonment by advising the court that the accused had a previous rape conviction from 2009. She told the court that the previous sentence had not deterred the accused from further offending. Ms. Mdluli also submitted a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) compiled by the complainant and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer, Sthembile Cebekhulu. In her statement, the complainant said that she did not feel safe in her own neighbourhood as the incident had occurred at her front gate.
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 sexual offences. We remain resolute in our pursuit of justice for victims of gender-based violence. We commend the prosecution on making compelling arguments to ensure that the accused is sentenced to life imprisonment.
Issued by:
Natasha Ramkisson-Kara
NPA Regional Spokesperson
KZN Division
071 6700 229