Neighbour Sentenced After Rape of 71-Year-Old Woman in Zwelitsha, KWT

MAN SENTENCED TO 23 YEARS FOR RAPE OF 71-YEAR-OLD NEIGHBOUR IN ZWELITSHA

The Zwelitsha Regional Court has sentenced Thembela Majiya (34) to 23 years’ direct imprisonment after convicting him of the rape of his 71-year-old neighbour, in a case that has highlighted the extreme vulnerability of elderly women living alone.

The brutal attack took place in the early hours of 11 August 2024 in Zwelitsha, Eastern Cape.

Attack in the early hours of the morning

According to evidence presented in court, the elderly complainant was asleep in her home at around 01h00 when she was startled awake by the sound of a window breaking. On investigating, she discovered that a kitchen window had been smashed.

Shortly afterwards, the accused — who lived nearby and was known to her — called out, claiming that he had seen unknown individuals leaving her yard. He offered to help fix the broken window.

Trusting her neighbour, the complainant allowed him into her home.

As she walked ahead of him towards the kitchen, the accused suddenly grabbed her from behind, dragged her into the bedroom, and violently raped her.

During the assault, the accused threatened the elderly woman, telling her: “I will do what I did to my aunt; it is now your turn.” After the rape, he further threatened to have his friends kill her if she reported the crime.

Distress message leads to swift family response

After the accused fled the scene, the traumatised complainant managed to send a distress message to her niece. The niece immediately contacted her by phone at approximately 04h00 and alerted other family members.

Relatives rushed to the complainant’s home, where they observed the broken kitchen window and were informed of the attack. Two male family members went in search of the accused and found him hiding in a toilet at his residence.

They brought him back to the complainant’s home, where the South African Police Service was called. The accused was arrested on the scene.

The complainant was taken for a medical examination, and a criminal case was formally opened.

Strong evidence presented during trial

During the trial, the State led evidence from multiple witnesses. The complainant gave a detailed account of the events of the night and remained consistent under cross-examination.

Her niece confirmed receiving the distress message in the early hours of the morning and testified about alerting family members. A neighbour, who lived close to the complainant, was the first person to arrive at the scene and assisted in locating the accused.

Medical evidence was also presented to the court, confirming injuries consistent with sexual assault.

Accused’s version rejected by court

In his defence, Majiya admitted that he went to the complainant’s home but denied raping her. He claimed that the complainant had called him to help fix the broken window and that he left the premises to look for materials to repair it.

He further alleged that he was on his way back when he was confronted by the complainant’s relatives and was shocked by the rape allegations.

The court rejected his version, finding it false and improbable, and accepted the State’s case in its entirety. He was convicted of rape and sentenced to 23 years’ direct imprisonment, with no option of a fine.

NPA welcomes sentence

Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Barry Madolo welcomed the sentence, saying it demonstrated the National Prosecuting Authority’s commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society, particularly elderly women.

He commended Regional Court Prosecutor Msuthukazi Pango, Court Preparation Officer Phelisa Matinise, the investigating officer, and staff at the Thuthuzela Care Centre for their professionalism and dedication in supporting the complainant and securing the conviction.

A reminder of violence faced by elderly women

The case has renewed concern around the safety of elderly people living alone, particularly women, who are often targeted due to their vulnerability and trust in familiar faces within their communities.

Authorities have once again urged communities to remain vigilant, to report suspicious behaviour, and to ensure that elderly residents receive regular support and check-ins from family members and neighbours.