The Louis Trichardt Regional Court convicted and sentenced Aifheli Tshinavha (41), from Ha-Magau village, on Tuesday to life imprisonment for rape, 10 years for kidnapping, and 15 years for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
During his trial, Tshinavha pleaded not guilty, and the state led evidence from the victim and other witnesses. The victim stated that on 7 May 2023, in Ha-Magau village, she was on her way back home from attending a stokvel when she met the accused (her ex-boyfriend).
"He dragged her to his house while threatening to kill her. Upon arrival, the accused assaulted her with a hammer on the head and further raped her. The evidence given by the victim was corroborated by her mother's testimony and the J88 medical report, which showed injuries sustained because of the assault. After the ordeal, she reported the matter to the police station and was also taken to the hospital," said Ms Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) regional spokesperson for Limpopo in a press release.
In aggravation of the sentence, state Advocate Tshilidzi Rose Mugeri submitted the Victim Impact Report, which detailed the trauma suffered by the victim. She further submitted that the accused is a heartless person and was not remorseful for his conduct. Mugeri concluded by submitting that the court should send a clear message to would-be offenders that these offences are punished severely.
In sentencing, the presiding officer, Hanlie Kellerman, emphasised that the accused was not remorseful for his deeds and did not care that the country is fighting against gender-based violence and the abuse of women and children.
The NPA welcomed the sentence, and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms Ivy Thenga, commended both Advocate Mugeri and the investigating officer in the case, Sergeant Mercy Mutheiwana from the Tshilwavhusiku police station, for the good work done. "We are pleased that justice has been served for the victim of this crime," Thenga said.