Life sentence for man who raped disabled neighbor

A 44-year-old man was sentenced to life imprisonment at the Madadeni Regional Court in 2021 for the rape of his 15-year-old neighbor.

On the day of the incident, the mentally disabled girl was playing outside when the accused called her to his home and raped her.

She reported the incident to another neighbor, who did not immediately report the matter.

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said the neighbour (according to the initial report) eventually told the girl’s mother what had happened.

“The accused was arrested and the girl was taken to the Madadeni Thuthuzela Care Centre where she received the necessary psychosocial help, counselling and support,” said Ms Ramkisson-Kara.

In order to increase the sentence, prosecutor Simphiwe Scelo Hlela cited the testimony of the girl’s mother, who said the girl still shows signs of trauma and is constantly anxious. The mother also said the girl had to be constantly reassured that the accused would not return to where they lived.

“In addition to the life sentence, the court ordered that the defendant’s details be entered into the National Register of Sex Offenders,” said Ms Ramkisson-Kara.

“We very much welcome the successful conclusion of this matter as it reaffirms our commitment to curbing the scourge of gender-based violence and sexual crimes. We commend the work of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the South African Police Service (SAPS).”