EX-BOYFRIEND SENTENCED TO LIFE AND 11 YEARS' IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE, ASSAULT, AND MALICIOUS INJURY TO PROPERTY

Middelburg, Mpumalanga – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators of domestic and gender-based violence are held accountable and that justice is served for victims. This follows the conviction and sentencing of Monti Motela Dibakwane (59) by the Middelburg Regional Court to life imprisonment and an additional 11 years' imprisonment for the rape of his former girlfriend, malicious injury to property, and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The accused and the victim were previously involved in a domestic relationship. Following the breakdown of the relationship, the victim relocated to Witbank to escape the accused.

On 01 December 2022, the victim was visiting her sister-in-law in Blinkpan when she encountered the accused. During a conversation between them, the accused became violent and severely assaulted the victim. He dragged and assaulted her before raping her, causing her to sustain serious injuries. During the incident, the front door and the main entrance hinge of the property were damaged by the force used by the accused. The incident was immediately reported to the police, who responded swiftly and rescued the victim. She was taken to a medical facility for treatment and examination. Subsequent police investigations led to the arrest of the accused, who was later charged with the offences.

During the trial, the accused claimed that the sexual intercourse was consensual and denied the remaining charges. However, the court rejected his version after the State presented compelling evidence from the victim, her sister-in-law, and the police officer who rescued her from the accused. The State also submitted the J88 medical report, which corroborated the victim's evidence.

In aggravation of sentence, the State presented a Victim Impact Statement facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Given Morema, outlining the profound impact that the ordeal had on the victim's life. In her statement, the victim indicated that she continues to live in fear because of the incident and has since relocated to rebuild her life and ensure her safety.

The state further argued that the offences should be viewed against the backdrop of the escalating prevalence of gender-based and domestic violence. It is submitted that the seriousness of the offences, coupled with their devastating impact on the victim, warranted the imposition of the prescribed minimum sentences. In sentencing the accused, the court emphasised the seriousness of the offences, the devastating impact on the victim, and the need to send a strong message that gender-based violence will not be tolerated.

The accused was sentenced as follows: Life imprisonment for rape; Ten years' imprisonment for malicious injury to property; and One year imprisonment for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The court further declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm.

The NPA welcomes the sentence and reaffirms its commitment to combating the scourge of gender-based violence and related offences. Working together with its partners in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, the NPA remains dedicated to ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable and that justice is served for victims of these serious crimes.

Issued by:

Monica Nyuswa

NPA Regional Spokesperson

DPP Mpumalanga