MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPING 95-YEAR-OLD WOMAN
28-year-old man from Sesalong village was sentenced to an effective 20 years’ direct imprisonment for the rape of a 95-year-old woman.
The Polokwane High Court sentenced the accused to 20 years’ imprisonment for rape and a further eight years’ imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to rape.
The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 20 years’ direct imprisonment.
In addition, the court ordered that the accused’s name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and that his identity be withheld to protect the victim and prevent secondary victimisation.
The accused pleaded guilty in terms of Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Act and admitted that he knew the victim as the grandmother of his friend.
The court heard that on 04 October 2025, the accused went to the victim’s homestead in Sesalong village looking for his friend.
After finding the doors unlocked, he entered the house where the elderly woman was alone. He informed the victim that he wanted to have sexual intercourse with her.
When she refused, he overpowered her and raped her twice before fleeing the scene.
The accused was apprehended by community members the following day and handed over to the police. DNA evidence subsequently linked him positively to the offence.
In aggravation of sentence, State Advocate Lerato Mohlaka handed in a Victim Impact Statement facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Morongwe Moifo.
The statement revealed the profound emotional impact of the crime on the victim.
She indicated that she felt humiliated, disgraced, and deeply disrespected, particularly because she regarded the accused as a great-grandchild.
During consultations with the prosecution team, the victim expressed that the attack had profoundly affected her outlook on life and dignity.
The State argued that the accused’s reliance on intoxication, youthfulness, and remorse should not be regarded as substantial and compelling circumstances.
The prosecution urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, emphasising that elderly persons are among the most vulnerable members of society and deserve the full protection of the law.
