MAN SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE
The Nelspruit Sexual Offences Court convicted and sentenced Mfanzile Nyatikazi (27), from Pienaar to 14 years direct imprisonment, for housebreaking and rape of a woman aged (44). On the night of 24 December 2018, Nyatikazi broke into the victim’s house in Pienaar, and threatened her with a dangerous weapon. He entered her house by breaking the burglar door and her bedroom door. He found the victim sleeping, dragged her from the bed, ordered her to lie on the floor facing up and raped her. The victim ran to her mother’s place half naked, as she’s staying 100 meters away from her place leaving the accused asleep.
The accused was arrested the same day, as he was known in the area and the victim was able to identify him to the police. He pleaded not guilty and alleged that he had an intimate relationship with the victim. State Prosecutor Thembi Mabuza led evidence of the victim, the first report and the medical doctor who examined her. Magistrate Vanessa Joubert rejected the accused’s version. She sentenced Nyatikazi to 10 years imprisonment for rape and 4 years direct imprisonment for housebreaking.
The National Prosecuting Authority will continue to strive for justice for victims of gender-based violence. We commend the good work done by the prosecutor and the investigating team in the matter.
