MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR RAPING AN ELDERLY WOMAN

 06 August 2025

MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR RAPING AN ELDERLY WOMAN

Bhisho, Eastern Cape - The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, Bhisho, has sentenced Bulelani Mbulawa (41) to life imprisonment for the rape of a 68-year-old woman. The court also sentenced him to an additional ten years for housebreaking with intent to rape and attempted murder, as well as 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances. The offences were committed at the home of the victim in the Mahlubini area near Peddie on 21 October 2022.

The pensioner was at her place of residence alone at night when her door was kicked open. Upon entering, the assailant demanded money, assaulted, strangled, and suffocated her with a sofa cloth before raping her. The victim was able to identify the attacker as Mbulawa because they stay in the same neighbourhood and are distant relatives. A police task team was activated to arrest him as he was evading arrest. He was caught after three months on the run.

During the trial, Mbulawa pleaded not guilty, denying ever setting foot in the home of the complainant as he was drunk and had passed out. State Advocate Melumzi Gula presented the evidence of the elderly and disabled victim, who was prepared by the court preparation officer (CPO), Sandiswa Moyake. DNA results linking Mbulawa, as well as the first report evidence, were also presented by the state, leading to the conviction. For sentencing Adv. Gula prayed for the prescribed minimum sentence of life as the victim is an older person and submitted the victim impact statement as prepared by the CPO.

The NPA remains steadfast in combating gender-based violence and ensuring justice for the most vulnerable in society, such as elderly persons. These cases provide some justice and closure to the victims and their families and remove violent criminals from our streets.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

Regional Spokesperson

Eastern Cape Division

National Prosecuting Authority

Tel: 047 501 2630

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za