A man who raped a 101-year-old woman was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Groblersdal Regional Court. Picture credit: Getty Images .
By Montsho Matlala
Groblersdal – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo has welcomed the life sentence handed to a 28-year-old man convicted of raping a 101-year-old woman at Sehlakwana village in Zaaiplaas, outside Groblersdal.
The court heard that Johannes Mahlangu broke into the centenarian’s home in the early morning hours while she was still in bed. Despite the fact that she had gone to sleep with her windows and doors securely closed, Mahlangu forced his way inside, restrained her, undressed her, and raped her before fleeing through the window.
Although Mahlangu pleaded not guilty to rape and housebreaking, DNA evidence linked him to the crimes.
“The accused was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and an additional three years for housebreaking with intent to commit an offence. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently. His name will also be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders,” said NPA provincial spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi.
In aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor Sifiso Miya presented a Victim Impact Report compiled by social worker Khomolo Mufunwa. The report revealed that the elderly victim continues to suffer severe psychological and emotional trauma. She has since developed a fear of men and no longer feels safe in her own home, Miya told the court.
Welcoming the outcome, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Advocate Ivy Thenga praised the prosecutor and police for their dedication.
“All cases of sexual violence violate the rights to dignity and privacy of victims as enshrined in our Constitution. The NPA remains committed to aggressively prosecuting these crimes,” Thenga said.
