admin
Danisa Masuku
A 20-YEAR-OLD man who stormed into the bedroom hut where his 69-year-old neighbour was sleeping and attacked her with the back of an axe before raping her was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Ndodana Dube (20) from Vvillage 3 Lochard in Mbembesi in Matabeleland North Province appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Joseph Mabeza facing a rape charge.
He pleaded guilty. He was convicted and sentenced to serve 20 years in jail. The magistrate suspended five years on condition that Dube does not commit a similar offence within a period of five years.
Dube will effectively be locked up for 15 years. In sentencing Dube, the magistrate emphasised the aggravating circumstances surrounding the crime.
The magistrate took into consideration the fact that Dube used an axe which is a dangerous weapon in carrying out the crime and he also throttled her.
The court further noted that Dube was the victim’s long-time neighbour, having stayed in Village 3 since birth.
As such the victim embraced him as her grandson and grew to trust him as she would send him to do her chores.
The magistrate noted that the victim was left devastated and traumatised by the ordeal.
The court additionally noted the significant age disparity between the perpetrator and the victim and that the rape was premeditated as he went to the granny’s home during the night.
The court heard that on 19 April this year, Dube woke up during the night and armed himself with an axe, and headed to the granny’s home.
Upon getting there he found the door into the bedroom hut not locked and got inside.
The victim screamed, but Dube grabbed her and throttled her before he attacked her on the cheek and thigh with the back of an axe. While the granny was writhing in pain, Dube carried out the sickening attack.
After the ordeal, he threatened to kill her. The incident was reported to the police leading to his arrest. Siphiwe Mhlanga prosecuted.
Online Reporter