On Tuesday August 23, the Nelspruit Sexual Offences Court convicted and sentenced Steven Raymond Mkhabela (32) from Chweni Trust, KaBokweni, to 22 years’ direct imprisonment for raping a visually impaired pensioner (67).

The Mpumalanga National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, said, “On November 28, 2015, a victim was sleeping at home when Mkhabela entered the house and raped her. The following morning, the victim went to her neighbours half naked and reported the rape ordeal, and the police were alerted.”

According to Nyuswa, the identity of the perpetrator was unknown due to her poor eyesight.

“The accused was later linked to the offence through DNA after he was arrested in another rape case. He was arrested, denied bail, and kept in custody until the finalisation of the matter. Sadly, the victim passed away due to ill health, and the state had to proceed without her evidence. The regional court prosecutor, Magda Marais, led the testimony of the first report, from a forensic nurse and a family member who had taken care of the victim after the incident had happened.”

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The statement of the deceased victim was also handed in in terms of Section 3(1)(c) of the Hearsay Act 45 of 1988.
“The state addressed the court that the victim in this matter, who had a visual impairment challenge and as a pensioner, should have been treated with dignity and respect. The state addressed the court and asked it to impose a suitable sentence. Magistrate Vanessa Joubert took into consideration the time the accused spent in custody and sentenced him to 22 years of direct imprisonment.”

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Nyuswa said the NPA acknowledges the conviction and sentence, as it sends a strong message that violence against women and children is seen in a very serious light by our courts