KZN court sentences man who raped mentally challenged neighbour

The Madadeni Regional Court in KZN has sentenced a 44-year-old man to life imprisonment for the rape of his 15-year-old neighbour in 2021.

On the day of the incident, the girl (who is mentally disabled) was playing outside when the accused called her to his house and raped her. She reported the incident to another neighbour who did not immediately report the matter. Eventually, the neighbour told the girl’s mother what had happened.

The accused was arrested and the girl was taken to the Madadeni Thuthuzela Care Centre where she received the necessary psychosocial services, counseling, and support.

In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Simphiwe Scelo Hlela led the testimony of the girl’s mother who said that the girl still shows signs of trauma, and is always anxious. The mother said that the girl needs to be constantly reassured that the accused will not be returning to where they live.

In addition to the life sentence, the court ordered that the accused’s particulars be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

NPA regional spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara says: “The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter, as it affirms our commitment to curbing the scourge of gender-based violence and sexual offences. We commend the work done by the prosecution and SAPS.”