MAN ACCUSED OF RAPING ELDERLY WOMEN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT
Bloemfontein, South Africa – Anele Gift Hlaba, who was just 19 years old at the time of committing the crimes, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and an additional 12 years for attempted rape of two elderly women, as ruled by the Bloemfontein Sexual Offences Court. Hlaba, who had previously assisted both victims with odd jobs around their homes, targeted them due to their vulnerability and living alone.
In the first incident, Hlaba forced his way into the home of an 85-year-old woman with the intent to rape her but ultimately was unsuccessful. In a second incident, he broke into the residence of a 68-year-old woman and raped her. Both women, being familiar with the accused, made it easier for law enforcement to apprehend him; notably, he left his hat at one of the crime scenes. As a result, Hlaba was charged with one count of rape, one count of attempted rape, and two counts of housebreaking.
During the trial, Regional Court Prosecutor Valerie Herholdt emphasized the importance of a severe sentence, stating that Hlaba not only committed heinous acts against two vulnerable women but also betrayed the trust of individuals who had welcomed him into their homes, treating him as family. She argued that his actions demonstrated a complete lack of respect for his elders, necessitating his removal from society for the protection of others.
Upon finding Hlaba guilty on all counts, the court sentenced him to life imprisonment for rape and 12 years for attempted rape, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently. Additionally, his name has been added to the National Register of Sex Offenders, thereby restricting his access to vulnerable individuals in the future.
This sentencing underscores the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), particularly against women and other vulnerable populations. The NPA remains determined to ensure that perpetrators of such violent crimes are held accountable and face appropriate sentencing.
