The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the life sentence handed to 20-year-old Tshepo Majela for the rape of an 84-year-old woman in Aliwal North.
The Maletswai Regional Court heard that the victim was asleep at home on 7 October 2023 when she woke up to find Majela standing over her with a knife pressed against her throat.
He dragged her from her bed and raped her before assaulting and stabbing her when she screamed for help.
Majela was initially unknown to the victim, but a breakthrough came when he was arrested in an unrelated robbery case. A DNA sample taken from him matched evidence collected during the rape investigation.
During sentencing, State Prosecutor Anele Magibile argued that the victim’s advanced age, vulnerability and the violent nature of the attack warranted a severe sentence.
Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Adv Samkelo Mtwana welcomed the court’s decision.
“This sentence sends a strong message that the NPA will relentlessly pursue justice for victims of sexual offences, regardless of how much time has passed since the commission of the crime.”
Majela was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and ordered to be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
The NPA commended prosecutor Anele Magibile and Detective Warrant Officer Mokheseng for their work, particularly the use of DNA evidence that ultimately identified and linked Majela to the crime.
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