Man sentenced to life for rape of mentally challenged man

The Mahwelereng Regional Court, Limpopo sentenced a 27-year-old man for the rape of a challenged woman at Jakkalskuil village.

The name of the accused is concealed to protect the identity of the victim, as they are known to each other.

It is said that on 8 March 2024, the accused dragged the victim who was coming from a tavern to his house and further threatened to release the dogs to her and to kill her if she made noise.

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He then took her to his bedroom and raped her continuously. In the early hours of the morning, the victim managed to escape to seek assistance. The victim then reported the matter to the police station, and the accused was subsequently arrested. The accused is not a first-time offender as he was previously convicted of rape.

“In aggravation of sentence, state Prosecutor Takalani Sydney Mboyi, submitted that the accused has been convicted of a serious offence, and people like him make it hard for women to live because they are afraid to walk around as they fear being raped,” said NPA Limpopo Spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi.

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“The state further submitted that if 10 years’ imprisonment is imposed, the community will take matters into their own hands and cause disruption. Furthermore, the accused is not a first-time offender as he was previously convicted of rape, and it clearly shows he cannot be rehabilitated.

“The prosecutor concluded by submitting that the accused did not show any remorse during the trial, even after he was convicted. Therefore, the court should not deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence, which is life imprisonment.”

“Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. Ivy Thenga stands firm in the commitment of the NPA to the fight against Gender-Based violence.”