Sboniso Ndlovu (28) has been sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and a further seven years for kidnapping by the Port Shepstone Regional Court.
The court heard that Ndlovu, armed with a sickle, attacked a woman who was alone at home during the early hours of August 29, 2021.
He threatened her before repeatedly raping her and fleeing the scene.
The victim reported the incident and received medical treatment and psychosocial support at the Port Shepstone Thuthuzela Care Centre.
About a month later, she spotted Ndlovu at a traditional ceremony and alerted police, leading to his arrest.
During the trial, prosecutor Chad Davey presented evidence relating to a photo identification parade during which the complainant positively identified Ndlovu as her attacker.
A victim impact statement detailed the emotional and psychological trauma suffered by the complainant, who said the attack left her feeling humiliated, degraded and fearful.
Ndlovu was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name was ordered to be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, said the NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to combating sexual and gender-based violence.
This effort continues to be strengthened through the expansion of the Thuthuzela Care Centre network across the country, which has grown from 55 centres in 2020/2021 to 66 centres nationwide.
These centres provide integrated medical, legal, and psychosocial services to victims of sexual offences and play a critical role in supporting survivors and strengthening prosecutions.
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