Man Breaks into Friend’s Home and Rapes His Wife
Police in Mpumalanga are pleased with the 10-year prison sentence given to a 39-year-old man for raping his friend’s wife. The man’s name is not released to protect the victim’s identity.
The crime took place in May 2022 when four friends, including a 44-year-old woman, met for drinks after a funeral in Lydenburg. According to Colonel Donald Mdhluli, a police spokesperson, the woman felt tired and went home early.
After dropping her off, they went back for entertainment and the house was locked by the victim’s husband.
The convicted man decided to go back to the woman’s home alone. He got the house keys and entered her room while she was sleeping. “It was during this time that the accused raped the victim,” Mdhluli said.
After the attack, the woman reported it to the police. The specialized family violence, child protection, and sexual offenses (FCS) unit investigated the case, leading to the man’s arrest.
He appeared in court several times before being sentenced to 10 years in prison on October 28, 2024. Mdhluli thanked the Lydenburg Regional Court for making sure justice was served.
Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, the acting provincial police commissioner, praised the work of the investigators, prosecutors, and court officials involved in the case.
“We are working hard to fight gender-based violence, and it is good when offenders are taken off the streets for a long time,” Mkhwanazi said.
This case shows the ongoing efforts of police to combat gender-based violence in the area.