A NEIGHBOUR SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE.
REPOTER: TSHEPO C MOLOTO: The Nelspruit Regional Court convicted and sentenced a thirty-two-year-old man from Verulam in Barberton to life imprisonment for raping an adult woman (39). On the morning of 03 September 2017, the victim left the tavern to go to her place. When she arrived, while trying to unlock the door, the accused emerged, dragged her, and pushed her inside the house. He started assaulting her with open hands, and fists until she fell. He continued to strangle the victim and raped her, then fled the scene on foot.
The victim saw the accused and identified him as her neighbour, alerted other neighbours who took her to the local hospital for medical treatment. The accused was traced and arrested the following day. The accused denied the allegations levelled against him and pleaded not guilty.
State prosecutor John Mahlwele led the evidence of the victim, the neighbour, and the police officer. The evidence was supported by a medical doctor who examined the victim as well as DNA positive results. The court found the evidence of the state witnesses credible and reliable. Prosecutor Mahlwele addressed the court to impose a prescribed minimum sentence of life.
During the sentencing proceedings, the state handed in victim impact statements compiled by Court Preparation Officers Nomfundo Mokoena and Zodwa Lekhuleni, where the victim detailed how the rape ordeal affected her. Then the court sentenced the accused to life imprisonment.
The National Prosecuting Authority applauds the good work done by the prosecution team and the investigating officer in addressing the scourge of gender-based violence.
