REGIONAL COURT SENTENCES MAN FOR RAPE
Rape accused Phila Manzi(37), has been sentenced to 15 years of direct imprisonment for raping a 21-year-old woman, by the Colesberg Regional Court. On the night of 04-05 September 2021, the victim who was under the influence of alcohol was on her way home, when she came across the accused. Upon realising the condition of the victim, the accused accosted the victim and continued to take her to a dilapidated house.
Due to the threatening circumstances, the victim developed a runny stomach and relieved herself and instead of leaving the victim, the accused raped the victim. The matter was reported to the police and through diligent work by the Investigating Officer, the suspect was arrested on 14 September 2021, and he remained in custody until the finalisation of the matter.
During the trial, the Prosecution had immense difficulties in proving its case and through the experience of the State Adv. Tevaughnay Van Wyk, the accused placed himself at the scene of the crime through his evidence in court. The accused who was paroled in 2020, after being sentenced to 10 years of direct imprisonment for charges of rape, and housebreaking was sentenced to 15 years of direct imprisonment which will commence in 2027, as he is currently serving the remainder of his 10 years direct imprisonment sentence of 2011.
State Adv. Van Wyk expressed his satisfaction with the sentence by the court, as it shows that the cumulative effects of the sentence were duly considered by the court. He further reiterated the significance and the pivotal role the Justice System plays in providing support to the communities through fearless and impartial prosecution of perpetrators despite the state of the sobriety of the victims.
