Magistrate sentences rapist to life imprisonment and 10 years for housebreaking

Temba Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, handed a life sentence to Thabo Mathibe, 28, for the rape of a 70-year-old woman – old enough to be his granny – and an additional 10 years for housebreaking.
This appalling event has brought to light a startling truth – that the rate of sexual assault against the elderly in South Africa is rising.
Henry Mamothame, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority’s regional division, said the horrendous incident which happened in Mathibestad, near Temba, Hammanskraal on February 9, 2019, while the victim’s grandchildren were present.
The elderly victim was cruelly dragged out of the house, assaulted and raped.
Hearing her anguished screams, neighbours rushed to her aid and called the police, leading to the arrest of Mathibe.
State prosecutor Tebogo Mosito argued for the minimum prescribed sentence to be imposed, citing the offence as a violation of the victim’s dignity.
Magistrate Gilbert Sono agreed with the state and gave Mathibe a life sentence.
The North West Director of Public Prosecutions applauded the collaboration between the National Prosecuting Authority, the police and the caring neighbours who helped bring Mathibe to justice.