INMATE SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE
A Mangaung Correctional Facility inmate Jeffrey Bona(42) has been sentenced to direct life imprisonment by the Bloemfontein Regional Court after he was convicted of raping another inmate. During the year 2021, the accused and the victim were serving their sentences at the facility when the accused began raping the victim on more than one occasion. The victim reported the matter to the authorities and the accused was charged with rape.
In aggravation of the sentence, the prosecution maintained that the court should not deviate from the apt sentence of a life sentence, as the accused had shown no remorse and was already incarcerated when he raped the victim and that it would be in the best interest of the communities if he was sentenced to life imprisonment. In sentencing, the court found that there are no substantial and compelling circumstances for the court to deviate from the prescribed life sentence, and the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape.
The conviction and sentence confirm the commitment of the National Prosecuting Authority to continue the fight against any form of crime, whether committed by the public or persons already in prison. The Prosecuting Authority will continue to prosecute without fear, favour, or prejudice.
