A 28-year-old man was this week sentenced to life imprisonment for rape by the Nkandla Regional Court.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson for the KZN division, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, outlined the incident.

She said, in September 2023, a young woman (19) was returning home from the reed dance and asked her father to arrange transportation for her from Greytown to their home.

“Her father then contacted the accused and asked him to transport his daughter. While on their way, the [man] asked the [victim] if he could stop at his residence to fetch his jersey.

“When they got to his residence, he asked the complainant to help him carry some items to his room,” said Ramkisson-Kara.

“Once they were in his room, he closed the door and raped her. The complainant eventually managed to break free and ran to a neighbouring house where she reported the incident.

“Her father was contacted, and she was taken to a nearby hospital and the police station. Thereafter, the accused handed himself in to the police,” added Ramkisson-Kara.

“In her [victim impact statement], the complainant said she was deeply hurt by the incident, and she is now fearful all the time.

“She said the incident had a financial effect on her family, as her parents had to raise money for their transportation to attend court proceedings,” said Ramkisson-Kara.

Once convicted, the man was sentenced accordingly, with the court ordering his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

“The NPA welcomes the life imprisonment sentence handed down to the rapist, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society.

“This sentence sends a clear and strong message that perpetrators of gender-based violence will be held accountable, and justice will be pursued without fear, favour or prejudice,” said Ramkisson-Kara.

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