MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE

25 July 2025 

MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE

Ermelo, Mpumalanga – The Ermelo Regional Court has convicted and sentenced 39-year-old Mthokozisi Clifford Ngwenya to life imprisonment for the rape of his former landlord. On 22 November 2021, Ngwenya unlawfully entered the complainant’s home in Sidakaneni, Lothair, and found her alone in her bedroom. He proceeded to assault and rape her. Neighbours, alerted by her screams for help, rushed to the scene and found her severely assaulted, with the accused still inside the house. When confronted, Ngwenya fled the scene by jumping out of a window. Members of the community chased and apprehended him before handing him over to the police. 

The complainant was taken to the Ermelo Thuthuzela Care Centre for urgent medical care. During the police investigation, she identified Ngwenya as her former tenant. In court, Ngwenya denied the rape allegations, claiming he and the complainant had met at a tavern and later argued over money at her house. However, State Prosecutor Chanѐ Rothman led strong and credible evidence, including the testimony of the complainant, medical reports (J88), and photographs showing her injuries. 

The court rejected the accused’s version and found him guilty. In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Rothman highlighted the prevalence of rape in South Africa and described the crime as a serious violation of human dignity. A Victim Impact Statement, compiled by Court Preparation Officer Faith Masango, revealed that the complainant remains deeply traumatised, struggling to accept that someone she once knew could commit such a heinous act. 

In handing down the sentence, the court emphasised the severity of the offence and the emotional and physical impact on the victim. Ngwenya was sentenced to life imprisonment, declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his name was ordered to be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to prosecuting crimes of gender-based violence, particularly those targeting women and children. Such crimes violate fundamental constitutional rights, including dignity, security, and privacy. The NPA remains dedicated to building a safer South Africa, free from all forms of violence and abuse. Ends. 

Issued by:

Monica Nyuswa 

NPA Regional Spokesperson 

Director of Public Prosecutions: Mpumalanga 

Tel: 013 045 0625 / Cell: 076 485 5446 

Email: mnyuswa@npa.gov.za