The Bhisho High Court has sentenced unrepentant parolee
Mzimkhulu Thompson (72) to life, plus ten years imprisonment, after he pleaded
guilty to rape and attempted rape of a nine-year old girl.
The rape incident occurred in November 2021 barely six
months after Thompson was granted parole in March of the same year for another
rape conviction.
Thompson was the neighbour of the victim who stayed with her
grandmother at Dubu Village in Zwelitsha near Qonce (formerly King Williams
Town) and usually visited the victim’s home and would help with some chores.
“On November 2, 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,” relayed
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali.
Tyali says the victim was examined at the Grey Hospital
Thuthuzela Care Centre where history of sexual assault was confirmed.
“During sentence, 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.
NPA Eastern Cape director of public prosecutions Barry
Madolo welcomed the sentence and further commended everyone involved in
collection and presentation of evidence.
