Rapist gets 25 years
The state further led evidence of medical doctors and Mbhele was found guilty as charged
The eMalahleni Regional Court recently sentenced Patlaki Jan Mbhele (24) to 25 years direct imprisonment after he was convicted of rape and robbery of a 35-year-old woman.
The court heard that on March 10, the victim was on her way home when she met with Mbhele in Vosman.
He approached her from behind, dragged her to the bushes and raped her.
He further robbed his victim’s two cellular phones and fled the scene.
Luckily, people heard the victim screaming for help and were able to identify him to the police hence his arrest.
During trial, Mbhele denied the allegations levelled against him and told the court that he was walking to his work place.
The case manager for Witbank Thuthuzela Care Centre Dorcas Shabangu, led testimony of a victim who told the court about the impact the rape ordeal has caused in her life and that of an eyewitness.
The state further led evidence of medical doctors and Mbhele was found guilty as charged.
In aggravation of sentence, the state argued that the accused committed a serious offence and gender based violence is prevalent in our country.
The presiding officer considered all the evidence before the court and sentenced Mbhele to 25 years direct imprisonment.
In light of the scourge of these types of crimes against women and children in the country, the acting director of Public Prosecutions Adv Matric Luphondo welcomes the sentence.
