A man serving a 22-year sentence for rape and attempted murder, by burning his ex-girlfriend, has appealed for a review of the case at the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court.
He claimed the magistrate had exceeded his jurisdiction in passing the sentence of 15 years for the rape, which he disputed saying it was consensual; and another 15 years, which was commuted to seven years for the attempted murder which he had admitted.
Elijah Mahlangu (28) of 19th Avenue was sentenced in August 2013 for the offence committed in February the same year. The victim was his ex-girlfriend with whom he has two children.
He burnt her after the rape resulting in her sustaining third-degree burns and being hospitalised for six months.
Mahlangu was said to have gone to the victim’s West Bank home on the night of 3 February and kidnapped her after forcing her to open the door.
He forced her to accompany him, carrying a container to a garage in Extension 7 where he bought petrol.
On the way back, he forced her off the road to the Jukskei River bank where he threatened to ‘fix’ her for the estrangement. He compelled her to undress, ordered her to bend over and raped her. After that, he poured petrol on her and burnt her before walking way.
Luckily, the victim jumped into the river, extinguishing the fire but she had already suffered extensive burns.
Mahlangu admitted to the attempted murder charge but denied the rape, saying it was consensual.
