WESTONARIA MAN SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE
The Westonaria Magistrates’ Court sentenced 39-year-old Elias Nkete, to 13 years direct imprisonment for raping a 37-year-old woman.
The incident took place at Westonaria on 06 March 2023. The accused approached the woman when she was returning from work, and he grabbed her from behind. She tried to resist by fighting the accused but, he overpowered her and raped her once. The accused managed to flee the scene.
Nkete was at large until informers were tasked to trace him. He was arrested on another farm in Fochville on 27 April 2023. He was in custody until his matter was finalised after being convicted on 2 counts of rape in 2008, in another case at Sebokeng Magistrates’ Court.
In arguing for a firm sentence, State Advocate Moss Malahlela argued that the incident left the victim traumatised, and the accused committed this horrendous act at a time when South Africa is faced with a dark cloud of gender-based violence.
The NPA extends its gratitude to Adv. Malahlela and Investigating Officer Constable Thifhelimbilu Mashamule for securing a successful prosecution.
