Joshua Thwala found guilty of rape
Following a lengthy court case, Joshua Thwala from Struisbult was today (April 17) found guilty of rape by the Springs Magistrate Court.
Thwala raped the 17-year-old girl at his home in Struisbult, on April 17, 2013, after he convinced her mother that he wanted to conduct counselling for all the girls in the Ekurhuleni Swazi community.
Thwala appeared before magistrate Bennita Oswell following his last appearance on February 23, when final arguments were presented.
During the trial, the victim revealed that Thwala instructed her to take off her clothes so that he could weigh her, before pushing her into his bedroom and raping her.
Before Oswell convicted Thwala, she reminded the court about all the evidence brought before the court during the trial.
The magistrate also mentioned that she is satisfied with the facts presented to the court by the victim and is convinced she was telling the truth.
Oswell told the court the state proved without a doubt that Thwala is guilty.
The state also proved that Thwala used his community status as a social worker and a respected member of the Ekurhuleni Swazi community to gain respect, which made it easy for him to convince elders and children to do as he asked.
Thwala was taken to the Springs holding cells and will appear in court on April 21 for sentencing.
