Man sentenced for rape and housebreaking
The Nelspruit Regional Court sentenced Judas Zwane (46) yesterday to 25 years direct imprisonment for housebreaking and the rape of an 11-year-old minor.
The court papers reveal that in 2010, the victim was at home sleeping with her older sister and younger siblings in KaBokweni Clau Clau Trust. The accused, who is the neighbour of the victim broke into their house, dragged the young girl out and raped her.
The victim’s sister reported the matter to neighbours who then alerted the police. The police found the victim whilst the suspect ran away. The victim’s sister was able to identify the accused by the clothes he was wearing during the commission of the offence. He was later arrested.
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During the trial, Regional Court Prosecutor, Thulani Msibi, led evidence of the complainant and that of the victim as well as the evidence of the police investigator. The state further led evidence of the medical report from the DNA expert and the accused was convicted.
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The court found substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence and sentenced him to 5 years in respect of housebreaking and 20 years for rape.
The NPA welcomes the sentence with the hope that it will send a clear message that violence perpetrated against women and children will not be tolerated.
