Delmas Regional Court sends rapist of a minor to jail for life
Magistrate said the duty of the court to protect the women and children of South Africa from acts of violence.
The presiding magistrate at the Delmas Regional Court, Magistrate MG Mavuso, sentenced a rapist to life imprisonment for the brutal rape of a 17-year-old girl.
In addition a 15-year sentence to be served concurrently was handed down for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The sentencing of Amos Mthambu (50) took place on May 9.
Mthambu’s sentencing follows the rape of a minor on May 14, 2023 in Botleng, Delmas.
Mthambu, at the time of the rape, was the boyfriend of the mother of the victim.
Whilst the mother was at work, Mthambu forced himself onto the young girl while threatening her with a panga.
The court also stated that he raped the young victim more than once and fled with her cellphone.
During sentencing Mavuso stated that it was a brutal and degrading act which invaded the young victims’ private space.
He further stated that the young victim, in her statement said that she never feels completely safe and that she would always feel that this might happen again.
“She has nightmares and has difficulty in socialising with any man. The victim saw him (Mthambu) as a father figure as he was the boyfriend of the mother at the time,” Mavuso added.
“This horrific act happened in the victim’s parental house where she was supposed to feel safe.”
Before the sentence was passed, Mavuso stated that it is the duty of the court to protect the women and children of South Africa from acts of violence.
Mthambu’s personal circumstances about having six children and the passing of the mother of his children as well as being a first offender, disappears in the background, given the seriousness of the crime committed.
Mavuso further stated that Mthambu’s details will be added to the national register of sex offenders.
He was also found unsuitable to work with children and unfit to possess a firearm.
Mavuso said that Mthambu have the right to appeal against his sentence, but that would have to go to the High Court and will not be handled by the district court.
The victim, now 19 years of age, attended the sentencing along with her mother and grandmother.
“I am extremely happy and feels satisfied about the sentence; justice have been served,” the mother of the victim told Streeknews afterwards.
The victim told Streeknews that she feels relieved to know that Mthambu will be behind bars for the rest of his life.
