A 59-year-old Limpopo man from Vhembe district has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for raping a 71-year-old pensioner who was his neighbour.
The Sibasa Regional Court imposed the sentence after finding the man guilty of raping the elderly woman at her home in Tshilapfene in 2019.
Limpopo NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi said the accused’s identity has been withheld to protect the victim’s identity and prevent secondary victimisation.
According to Malabi, the accused followed the woman home after seeing her return from a bus stop.
He entered her residence and went to her bedroom, where a struggle ensued before he raped her.
Malabi said the woman subsequently sought medical assistance at a nearby clinic and was referred to the Tshilidzini Thuthuzela Care Centre for further care and support.
The matter was reported to police, leading to the man’s arrest and prosecution.
During sentencing proceedings, State Prosecutor Muligi Mphedziseni argued for life imprisonment, submitting that the victim qualified as an older person under the Older Persons Act 13 of 2006.
Malabi said the State also argued that the rape occurred in the woman’s home, where she should have felt safe.
The prosecution further highlighted the trauma suffered by the victim at the hands of someone she knew and trusted as a neighbour.
The State argued that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence.
However, the court ultimately sentenced the accused to 22 years’ direct imprisonment.
The court also ordered that his particulars be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
The accused had pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Malabi said Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Ivy Thenga welcomed the sentence and commended Mphedziseni, the investigating officer and other role players involved in the case for their dedication and professionalism.
“The NPA remains committed to holding perpetrators of sexual offences accountable and ensuring that victims receive the support, dignity, and justice they deserve,” Malabi said.
