Mbombela court sentences man to life for raping minor
In her victim statement read during the sentencing of the man who raped her, a 13-year-old girl said she no longer trusted any men and that the rape affected her psychologically and physically. The man was sentenced in Mbombela.
The Nelspruit Regional Court has convicted and sentenced Richard Khensile Ndlovu (31), from Jerusalem Trust in Masoyi, to life imprisonment for raping a 13-year-old girl.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), on June 18, 2017, the victim was at her home in Jerusalem Trust when her mother had sent her to collect a water container at a tap near the accused’s homestead.
“As she was about to pick up the container, the accused emerged, grabbed her, dragged her inside his room and locked the door.”
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Ndlovu touched her, undressed her and raped her. He then unlocked the door and released her. The victim ran to her neighbours and informed them about the rape. The matter was reported to her parents who alerted the police.
According to the NPA statement about the court proceedings, the accused pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations levelled against him.
“State prosecutor, John Mahlwele, led evidence of the victim and that of the neighbour to whom she had reported the rape. This was supported by the evidence of the victim’s mother and a forensic nurse to prove the case.”
During the sentencing, the state handed in a victim impact statement compiled by the victim and facilitated by the court preparation officer, Zodwa Lekhuleni.
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“In her statement, she informed the court that she no longer trusts any men and that the rape ordeal had affected her psychologically and physically, and left her with emotional scars. In aggravation of the sentence, Mahlwele argued that a sentence of life imprisonment should be imposed.”
The magistrate agreed with the state and sentenced Ndlovu accordingly.
The NPA welcomed the successful finalisation of the matter.
