YOUNG MAN RECEIVES LIFE SENTENCE FOR RAPE OF ELDERLY WOMAN 

18 FEBRUARY 2026

YOUNG MAN RECEIVES LIFE SENTENCE FOR RAPE OF ELDERLY WOMAN 

The High Court of South Africa has sentenced Siphumandla Makapela (27) to life imprisonment for the rape of a 75-year-old woman at her home in Mazotshweni Location, Dikeni (previously Alice), on 28 December 2024. The complainant had known the accused since 2019, as he occasionally assisted a contractor who had been carrying out construction work at her home. 

On the afternoon of the incident, the elderly woman was returning from a traditional ceremony in the area when Makapela approached her and asked for R2.00. When she informed him that she did not have any money, he jumped over the gate and entered her yard, demanding that she fetch her wallet. 

The intruder followed her into the house, undressed himself and instructed her to remove her clothes. When she refused, he assaulted her with clenched fists and forcibly undressed her, tearing her pinafore. He then raped her repeatedly in different rooms of the house. When she attempted to escape through a window, the accused grabbed and strangled her. She fought back and managed to overpower him, after which he fled the scene. 

The complainant sought assistance from a neighbour and reported the matter to the police the following day, 29 December 2024. Makapela was arrested on the same day and remained in custody until the finalisation of the trial, as the State successfully opposed his release on bail. The accused pleaded not guilty, denying the allegations despite the compelling evidence presented by the State. The court also heard that the complainant was forced to remain overnight in the very house where the incident occurred before she could access assistance and report the crime. 

In the argument on sentence, Advocate Lifa Matyobeni submitted that the court was dealing with a grave and violent sexual offence committed against an exceptionally vulnerable widow living alone in a remote rural area. He emphasised that the attack took place in the sanctity of her home, significantly aggravating the seriousness of the offence and warranting the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. The court agreed and imposed a sentence of life imprisonment. It further declared Makapela unfit to possess a firearm and ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. 

Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, welcomed the sentence, stating that it sends a strong message that perpetrators of sexual violence will face the full might of the law and that the justice system remains committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of society, particularly elderly persons living in rural communities. He further expressed appreciation to the prosecution and investigation teams for their dedication, and extended gratitude to the Qonce Thuthuzela Care Centre and Court Preparation Officer, Sandisiwe Moyake, for the critical support provided to the complainant throughout the case. Their assistance ensured that she was properly prepared for court and able to testify despite the trauma she endured. 

DPP Madolo emphasised that the sentence affirms the justice system’s commitment to restoring dignity to victims of sexual violence and holding offenders accountable, particularly where elderly persons are targeted in the safety of their own homes. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will continue working closely with its criminal justice partners to ensure that such offences are prosecuted effectively and that victims receive the care and protection they deserve. 

Issued by: 

Luxolo Tyali 

NPA Regional Spokesperson 

Eastern Cape Division

Tel: 047 501 2630 

Cell: 073 555 9292 

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za 

Enquiries: nmakupula@npa.gov.za / 068 268 2473