MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE AND 7 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE AND ASSAULT OF HIS EX-GIRLFRIEND
The Nelspruit Sexual Offences Court has convicted and sentenced Witness Solly Ngomane (24), to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of raping his ex-girlfriend at Salubindza Trust, in 2018. This follows his conviction on rape and assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm. On the evening of 25 May 2018, the victim left her parental home to meet with her boyfriend, while walking on the way she came across Ngomane who blocked her by standing in front of her. He dragged her to a nearby abandoned house, strangled her and bit her tongue off. He then gave her a bottle of love potion medicine to drink while ordering her to undress and raped her. He then took the victim to a nearby river to wash after spending the night with her.
The following morning, the victim went home unable to speak and woke her mother up using sign language. She signalled to her that she needs a pen and paper to write, and she authored her rape ordeal. Her parents accompanied her to the crime scene and found the piece of the tongue on the ground. They took it, and the victim was taken to Themba Hospital where she received medical and psycho-social assistance.
The matter was reported, and the accused was arrested shortly after. In court, he pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations levelled against him. State prosecutor John Mahlwele led testimonies of the first report, the doctor who admitted the victim and the forensic nurse who examined the victim. The court found all state witnesses reliable and credible.
In aggravation of the sentence prosecutor, Mahlwele handed in a victim impact statement compiled by Court Preparation Officer, Zodwa Lekhuleni. In her statement, the victim detailed that the incident left her traumatised and embarrassed. Magistrate Cloete found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. He sentenced Ngomane to life imprisonment for rape and 7 years imprisonment for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the successful finalisation of the matter and applauds the good work done by the prosecution and investigating team. It affirms our commitment to curbing the scourge of gender-based violence against women and children.
