North West man gets life sentence for raping an elderly woman

41-year-old Musa Vinny Hlungwane was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a 59-year-old woman in the North West. He appeared at the Moretele Regional Court for his sentencing.

ALSO READ: Man gets two life terms in prison for the murder of his ex-lover and her mother

Hlugwane sentenced for raping and assaulting an elderly woman

Evidence presented in court revealed that on 03 March 2018, at Bosplaas near Temba, the elderly woman was walking home, crossing by a playground when confronted by Hlugwane.

He then dragged her to a nearby abandoned house and ordered her to undress. The complaint refused and Hlungwane hit her with a bottle and raped her. He subsequently fled the scene, leaving the complaint injured.

ALSO READ: KZN man accused of raping toddlers he transported to pre-school appears in court

The victim managed to report the matter to the police after the raping incident and Hlungwane was arrested in February 2020 and pleaded guilty to the charge.

During the trial, Hlungwane was convicted for five years on a different case of vehicle theft.

ALSO READ: BREAKING: Rape accused ANC councillor to remain in custody

The state recommends life imprisonment for Hlugwane

In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Muriel Masilana urged the court not to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence of life imprisonment.

ALSO READ: Court delivers judgement for man who killed his ex-lover and her son

She further remarked on the prevalence of gender-based violence and raping cases in the country, with the courts having a responsibility to protect women and children against perpetrators of such acts.

Magistrate Maryna Swanepoel agreed with the state and imposed a life sentence on Hlungwane.

ALSO READ: Victim reveals how Bishop Zondo allegedly sexually violated her during a prayer session

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY CWENGA MAQHUBELA