Rape accused sentenced to life imprisonment

A 57-year-old accused was sentenced on Wednesday, 07 June 2023, in the Gqeberha Regional court to life imprisonment for raping a teenager.

On the 21 March 2022 at approximately 19:00, the 15-year-old mentally challenged victim visited her neighbour in Kuyga. When the woman in the house fell asleep, the accused lured the victim to the kitchen where he undressed and raped her. While the accused was busy, a witness arrived at the house and peeped through the keyhole and saw what the accused was doing. The rape was immediately reported to the victim’s family. The accused was arrested that same evening.

Mtutuzeli Mazele (57) remained in custody until the finalisation of the case.

Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Major General Vuyisile Ncata has welcomed the sentencing and praised the investigating officer D/Cst Samantha Frost from the Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Gqeberha for securing the maximum sentence for the accused. “As we have just commemorated Child Protection week, we need to place emphasis on raising awareness on the protection of our children against abuse, exploitation, negligence and all forms of violence. Rapists such as Mazele took advantage of a helpless young teenager and it is time for all of us to act together to stop the abuse,” added Maj Gen Ncata.

Source: South African Police Service