A resident of Vhufuli village, Azwimmbavhi Netshitungulu Daswa (26), was sentenced to 35 years' imprisonment in the Thohoyandou Local Division of the Limpopo High Court on Friday, after being convicted of rape.
It was testified that Daswa had raped a 15-year-old girl on 25 November 2015 at Vhufuli village. She resided in the same area as Daswa. The court also heard that Daswa found her in a river with her two friends. He threatened them with a knife and instructed all the girls to wait for their turn.
The incident was reported and the accused was arrested. Immediately when the charge was put to the accused, he pleaded guilty and the court found him guilty as charged.
In aggravation of sentence, Adv Ratshilumela Makhera, appearing for the State, submitted to the court that rape degrades, humiliates and dehumanizes the victim. He further indicated that rape is rife in the Vhembe district and requested the court to sentence the accused to a long-term imprisonment.
Judge Nare Kgomo said that there was a misconception that rape became more gruesome only if the victim sustained injuries, but that was totally against our law, he said. The court further mentioned that the accused would have to go to prison for a long time, so that he could get rehabilitated and become a good community member.
The director of public prosecutions in Limpopo, Adv Ivy Thenga, commended Adv Makhera for a job well done.