Life sentence for man who raped woman he once went to school with

A 23-year-old man who raped a woman he knew on Christmas Day in 2022 has been sentenced to life in prison.

The Vosloorus Regional Court also sentenced Siyabonga Olifant to 10 years in prison for kidnapping.

“The victim was walking home from a friend’s home when Olifant approached her and offered to escort her home,” said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.

When she refused, Olifant, who was with two unknown men, restrained her and beat her. They then dragged the woman to his home in Mapleton and the three committed sexual assault, using protection.

“After the two unknown accomplices had left, Olifant accompanied the victim to her home the next morning.”

She reported that she had been attacked and Olifant was arrested and charged with one count of rape and one count of kidnapping.

“In court, the victim described how the incident had left an indelible mark on her life, eroding her trust in men and affecting her relationships with her family, including her brothers.”

In providing mitigating testimony, the suspect said he had a relationship with the victim and that the interaction was consensual.

“However, prosecutor Madelé Ferreira presented compelling evidence proving Olifant’s guilt, alleging that the suspect took advantage because he attended the same school with her.” said Mjonondwane.

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