YOUNG MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE
09 FEBRUARY 2026
YOUNG MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE
Standerton , Mpumalanga, The Standerton Regional Court has convicted and sentenced Thokozani Mthimkhulu (29) to life imprisonment for raping a 36-year-old woman on multiple occasions in February 2024 in Standerton. The complainant and the accused were known to each other, as the accused was in a relationship with the daughter of the complainant’s friend.
On 17–18 February 2024, the complainant was with her friend at a local tavern to purchase alcohol. While her friend went inside the tavern to speak to someone, the complainant remained outside waiting. The accused approached the complainant, struck her with an open hand on the face, dragged her to a nearby railway track, and raped her multiple times. He then fled the scene, leaving the complainant injured.
After realising that the accused had fled, the complainant made her way home, where she was staying with her partner. Unable to get assistance, she proceeded to the nearest police station to report the matter and was later taken to a medical facility for treatment. After receiving medical attention, she returned home and informed her partner of the incident. The following day, the complainant, together with her brother and partner, went to a bus station in search of the accused. Upon seeing him, the complainant immediately identified him, and he was subsequently apprehended.
Throughout the trial, the accused denied the allegations and claimed that he and the complainant had previously been in a romantic relationship. State Prosecutor Thabani Mkhabela led compelling evidence, including the complainant’s detailed testimony, in which she positively identified the accused as her attacker. Corroborating evidence included testimony from the complainant’s partner, a J88 medical report confirming the injuries sustained, and a photo album of the crime scene.
The court rejected the accused’s version as false and not reasonably possible, finding that the State had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. In mitigation of sentence, the defence argued that the accused was young at the time of the offence, a first-time offender, and capable of rehabilitation, and requested a deviation from the prescribed sentence of life imprisonment. In aggravation, the State led evidence on the severe trauma suffered by the complainant and the lasting impact of the crime on her life and family. The complainant testified that she continues to experience emotional distress and flashbacks, particularly affecting her intimate relationship.
The court found that the accused failed to establish compelling and exceptional circumstances warranting a lesser sentence. He was accordingly sentenced to life imprisonment. The court further ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders, declared him unfit to work with children, and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) notes that the fight against gender-based violence has been strengthened through the expansion of the Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) footprint, which has grown from 55 centres in 2020/2021 to 66 centres nationwide. These centres provide integrated and survivor-centred services to victims of sexual offences. The NPA welcomes the sentence and remains resolute in its commitment to combating gender-based violence and crimes against vulnerable persons, and to pursuing justice with diligence and compassion.
Issued by:
Monica Nyuswa
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Director of Public Prosecutions – Mpumalanga
013 045 0625 / 076 485 5446