The High Court in Bhisho has sentenced parolee Mzimkhulu Thompson, 72, to life imprisonment plus ten years for raping a 9-year-old child. The rape incident happened in November 2021 barely six months after Thompson was released on parole for another rape conviction.
Thompson (the parolee) was the neighbour of the victim who lived with her grandmother in Dubu Village in Zwelitsha near Qonce formally known as King Williams Town and usually helped the victim’s family with chores when he visited.
“On 2 November 2021, the victim’s grandmother asked Thompson to fix her washing line and left him at her home. He attacked the victim as she was sleeping in her bedroom, gagged her with his hand and forcefully undressed her.”
“The grandmother walked in and caught him in the act, and it transpired it was not the first time Thompson had violated the minor. He had raped her in August 2021 when her mother and grandmother were not at home and threatened her with death if she told anyone about her ordeal,” said Luxolo Tyali, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson.
“During sentencing, State Adv. Vatiswa Jodwana-Blayi argued that Thompson is not suitable for rehabilitation, as he had only been released on parole in March 2021, after serving a portion of a sentence on another rape conviction. She further stated that his age could not be considered to benefit him. The court agreed and found no compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence for raping a minor,” Tyali added.
Source: News24, Eyewitness News, News365, image from Eyewitness News
