Mentally ill woman raped, suspects get life

Like pieces of a broken doll, a 23-year-old mentally challenged woman is putting her life back together after a gruesome ordeal on May 1, 2011.

While on her way to the store to purchase a few things for her mother, two men grabbed her and dragged her to a house nearby.

Stripping her of her innocence and dignity, both perpetrators raped her.

The victim’s mother caught wind of what had happened and contacted police immediately.

The suspects were arrested soon after the case was opened. The victim and her family could finally breathe a sigh relief knowing the culprits were behind bars.

On May 25 this year, the accused finally had their day in Madadeni Regional Magistrate’s Court.

Justice prevailed as the judge sentenced both men to life imprisonment; a sentence welcomed by the State.

“The investigating officer, Constable Dup Du Plesiss was instrumental in ensuring the conviction,” said SAPS spokesperson, Captain Shooz Magudulela. “He conducted a proper interrogation and ensured DNA samples were collected from both suspects linked to the crime.”

The family was satisfied with the outcome of the case and managed to find closure amid the legal battle.

“They are happy with the sentence which will serve as a warning to other rapists out there,” concluded Capt Magudulela.

The community thanked police for securing the conviction of the culprits.

While words are of little comfort, the Newcastle Advertiser wished the victim and her family all the best as they close the book on a ghastly chapter in their lives.

Do not become a statistic; report crime to Newcastle police on 10111.