LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE OF ELDERLY WOMAN

05 JUNE 2025

LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE OF ELDERLY WOMAN

The Scottburgh Regional Court has sentenced a 38-year-old man to life imprisonment after he pleaded guilty (Section 112 Plea) to the rape of a 64-year-old woman in January 2023 in the KwaCele area.

In the early hours of 18 January 2023, the complainant was asleep in her bed when she felt someone’s presence in her room, and she awoke. The accused grabbed her and used his hand to cover her mouth to prevent her from screaming. He told her that he would do as he pleased, and thereafter, he would give her R200. He overpowered the complainant and raped her. Her screams alerted her daughter to the offence, and she came to her mother’s rescue. The accused then climbed through the bedroom window and fled the scene. He was arrested shortly after, at his place of residence, after being pointed out by the complainant and her daughter.

In aggravation of the sentence, Prosecutor Thanusha Govender told the court that the circumstances of the offence were inhumane. The complainant had a right to feel safe in the sanctity of her own home, however, the accused invaded her privacy. Ms. Govender also handed in the J88 form as well as a DNA analysis report. The accused was convicted accordingly, and he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the life sentence handed down. Elderly persons are protected by legislation due to their vulnerability as they age and ought to be able to live in a peaceful and safe environment. Cases such as this underscore the NPA’s commitment to ensuring that justice is served, particularly in cases involving crimes against the most vulnerable members of our society, our elderly.
 

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara
NPA Regional Spokesperson
KZN Division
0716700229