The Nelspruit High Court sentenced Zwelithini Selby Maseko to two life terms and 15 years imprisonment on three counts of rape.
Maseko was residing in White River with the complainant and their two children. On 30 December 2015, the accused trapped the complainant inside their room as he accused her of cheating and assaulted her with fists on her face.
He used iron and tattooed the word “BITCH” on her stomach as well as names of male persons all over her legs. He then pushed a 500ml water bottle repeatedly into her vagina, inserting ice cubes and performed other gruesome acts.
The complainant managed to call her mother who heard her screams when she answered the phone. Maseko was arrested after the incident was reported to the police. Whilst the accused was in custody, a family meeting between the accused and the victim was held with a view to influencing the complainant to withdraw the charges.
The complainant then approached the NPA to withdraw charges against the accused.
The NPA declined due to the seriousness of the injuries. The accused brought three further applications which were also opposed by the state.
During the trial, Advocate Phyllis Vorster led to evidence of medical reports confirming sexual and physical assault. Both the victim and her mother were called to testify but both refused. Their original statements were with the police and were proven correct. The accused also refused to testify and remained with his version that the matter was resolved between the families and the prosecutor had no right to continue with the prosecution.
Maseko was found guilty and Judge A J Nkosi sentenced him to two life and 15 years imprisonment for the multiple counts of rape.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in Pretoria, Advocate George Baloyi, welcomes the sentence with the hope that it will send a strong message to those that abuse women and children.
