A 41-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and five years’ imprisonment for housebreaking by the Vryheid Regional Court.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the man raped a 61-year-old woman after breaking into her home in Bhekuzulu in December 2023.

Elderly woman raped in her home

The woman was asleep at home at night when she was suddenly awakened by someone touching her. As she tried to establish what was happening, an unknown man covered her mouth, undressed her and raped her.

SAPS reported that after the rape, the victim and the suspect were involved in a physical altercation during which the woman managed to get hold of the suspect’s jacket.

The suspect fled the scene, leaving the jacket behind with a cellphone inside it.

Cellphone leads police to suspect

The matter was reported to the Vryheid police station, and an investigation was launched. During the investigation, police established that the cellphone belonged to Mphenene Joseph Lebenya.

Suspect arrested after fleeing the area

Lebenya reportedly fled the area but was arrested in May 2025 and charged with rape and housebreaking.

He was subsequently found guilty during his trial and sentenced by the Vryheid Regional Court. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.