Man Sentenced to Life for Raping Woman with Childlike Mental Capacity
Image Source: Fallen Swart
A 24-year-old man was sentenced to life imprisonment on Thursday for raping a 59-year-old woman with a mental impairment in Mpumalanga three years ago.
The Ermelo Regional Court additionally handed Nqabeni Braidon Mangena a three-month prison sentence for violating the Immigration Act.
According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Monica Nyuswa, the incident occurred in KwaDela, Davel, where the victim was under the care of her grandson due to her mental condition.
On August 29, 2021, Mangena came across the victim at a tavern, followed her to her residence, and proceeded to enter her home, where he raped her.
When the victim’s grandson came back, he discovered the house in a state of disorder and initially thought his grandmother had fallen, given her epilepsy.
“However, after looking more closely, he observed bruises on her knees and inner thighs. He promptly alerted the police, leading to the arrest of the accused,” said Monica Nyuswa.
The accused denied the rape charges in court, asserting that the encounter was consensual.
“He admitted to knowing that the victim was unable to hold a coherent conversation,” said Monica Nyuswa.
Prosecutor Chané Rothman presented the testimony of the arresting officer, who reported arriving at the scene to find the accused undressed. The victim, on the other hand, was partially clothed, distressed, and unable to speak clearly.
“A J88 medical report was submitted, indicating injuries to the victim’s genital area, as well as a report confirming that her mental capacity is comparable to that of a five-year-old child.”
Magistrate Eben Jonker stated that there were no significant or persuasive factors to justify departing from the mandatory minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
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