a 24-year old man was sentenced to life imprisonment on September 8, after he was found guilty of raping a 15-year old girl.

According to Sivenathi Gunya, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting authority, the Atamelang Regional Court handed down the sentence to Mbuti Isaac Mbewa (24), the court declared him unfit to possess a firearm and ordered his name entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. The conviction stems from an incident on May 16 2021 in Delareyville.

“It is alleged that Mbewa attended a party with the victim, then 15 years old. During the event, he grabbed her hand, slapped her face, and took her to a toilet. There, he forcefully undressed both her and himself before raping her. Despite her attempts to scream, the loud music drowned her cries. After the assault, she escaped, ran back to the house crying, and reported the rape,” said Gunya in a statement.

The victim’s parents confronted Mbewa at his parental home. He claimed the sexual intercourse was consensual, but they reported the incident to the police, leading to his arrest. Despite pleading not guilty, Mbewa was convicted after the state proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

In aggravation, Advocate Edward Manicus argued there were no compelling circumstances to deviate from the minimum life sentence, highlighting Mbewa’s lack of remorse. Magistrate Stephan Du Toit, in sentencing, noted the alarming rise in rape cases and the court’s duty to combat such offences. Agreeing with the state, he found no substantial grounds to deviate, imposing life imprisonment.

Dr. Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, welcomed the sentence, commending Advocate Manicus and other role players. She stated, “This conviction sends a clear message: the NPA will relentlessly pursue GBV perpetrators, restoring safety and dignity for victims.”