An Alex man was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment for rape in the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court after his mental instability claim was disproved by a mental health hospital.
Magistrate Gideon Schneitler found Sibusiso Hlatswayo (30) guilty of rape of a nine-year-old victim.
The crime occurred 6 March 2016 at the victim’s 5th Avenue home after she returned from school. The accused was arrested soon after it was reported.
The case was prolonged from a first hearing in April until August when he claimed mental instability at a hearing, prompting the court to order a mental assessment at Sterkfontein Mental Hospital.
State prosecutor Jacqui Letsoalo said the assessment proved him fit to stand trial.
Also, read: Father to spend second weekend in jail for alleged rape of his eight-year-old son
