Life sentence for this rapist magistrate decides

MBOMBELA – “I don’t know if there is a punishment severe enough, as this will haunt me every single day of my life.” These were the words of a 23-year-old victim of a brutal rape who testified during the sentencing of her attacker on Friday. Msikane Raymond Maluleka (23) pleaded guilty to a charge of rape after the incident at the victim’s flat in Hunter Street on February 15 last year.

He was linked to the crime through DNA. Ironically, on that day, women across the country wore black to unite against rape and women abuse while the victim was being brutally assaulted and raped.

She arrived home on the day of the incident at about 18:30. Maluleka, who resided in the same complex, had waited for her in a nearby bush and hit her over the head when she unlocked her door. He pushed her inside where he raped and tortured her. He repeatedly hit her with a firearm in the face.

He also tied her up with wire coat hangers, tried to suffocate her with a plastic bag and stuffed her mouth with clothing after which he locked her inside the flat. He then fled the scene.

The woman managed to get to the kitchen where she got hold of a knife. She managed to untie herself, knocked out a window with a pot and ran to the neighbours for help.

Magistrate Mr Willie Wilkens sentenced Maluleka to life imprison-ment on Friday. He said he had not cared if the victim would have survived or not. “Our country is facing a crisis of epidemic proportions with regards to rape. The rape statistics induce a sense of shock and disbelief and outrage within society. Despite heavy sentences imposed in courts for this crime, the courts cannot stem the tide.” He concluded by stating that he hoped the victim would find peace and tranquility in her life.