EMALAHLENI – The Emalahleni Regional Court convicted and sentenced Patrick Nyaisi Mtsweni (49) to life imprisonment for raping a minor (14) on Thursday, August 29.
The incident occurred nearly 10 years ago, on November 4, 2014, when the complainant was approached by an unfamiliar individual while walking towards her aunt’s residence in Extension 8, Klarinet. The unknown man grabbed, strangled, and pushed her into the bushes, instructing her to remove her clothes. When she refused, he tore off her clothes, pushed her to the ground, and raped her. Police investigations led to the suspect’s apprehension in 2023 following the identification of his DNA in connection with the crime.
In court, Mtsweni admitted responsibility for the accusation and was subsequently convicted as charged. State Prosecutor Ellen Mafata argued that the accused entered a plea of guilt due to the overwhelming evidence the state possessed against him. Mafata addressed the court regarding the epidemic of gender-based violence, urging the court to impose a sentence in accordance with the law.
The victim expressed relief, feeling as though a burdensome weight had been lifted from her shoulders, a weight she had carried for years. Magistrate Combrinck found no substantial and compelling circumstances justifying deviation from the prescribed sentence. Mtsweni was sentenced to life imprisonment. The court mandated that the defendant’s identity be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders, deeming him unsuitable for interactions with minors upon potential parole and additionally ruling him ineligible to possess a firearm.
