The Nelspruit Regional Court on Friday sentenced a 37-year-old man to 23 years’ direct imprisonment for raping a traditional healer, Lowvelder reports.

NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said the victim and the accused cannot be named to protect the identity of a minor child involved in the incident.

According to reports, in early June, 2019, the accused went to the complainant’s home in Zwelisha Trust outside Mbombela, carrying a firearm, and gained entry by pretending to need treatment.

“Once in the house, the accused locked the door and proceeded to rape the victim in the presence of her three-year-old son. He then threatened to kill her and her son should she report the rape to anyone. The victim confided in her sister and later reported the incident to the police,” said Nyuswa.

The accused pleaded not guilty, claiming he was in a relationship with the victim. To prove the state’s case beyond reasonable doubt, regional court prosecutor Leana Jones presented compelling evidence from the victim’s sister, which was corroborated by the victim. It also emerged during the trial that the accused was known for being violent.

“Jones emphasised that women should not be reduced to mere objects and condemned to the persistent violence they face in South Africa. She added that the accused showed no remorse for his actions, describing them as a heinous violation of human dignity, and urged the court to impose a suitable sentence,” said Nyuswa.

She added that the NPA calls on South Africans to unite against gender-based violence and to foster safe environments where women and children can thrive without fear. The NPA says it remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring justice for victims of gender-based violence.

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