BONUS - TLHABANE - The Bafokeng Regional Court in Tlhabane has sentenced 46-year-old Joseph Madubula Mnisi, to 14 years direct imprisonment for rape and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
The sentencing took place on Thursday, 10 July.
Sgt Ofentse Mokgadi, Rustenburg police Spokesperson said the incident occurred in February 2024 in Meriting, near Rustenburg.
According to court testimony, Mnisi, who claims to be a traditional healer, arrived in Meriting on Wednesday, 31 January 2024, with his then 29-year-old girlfriend from Limpopo to render his services to a local family.
On Friday, 2 February 2024, after a day of heavy alcohol consumption, Mnisi reportedly woke his girlfriend in the middle of the night, accused her of infidelity, and proceeded to assault her severely using open hands and a stick. He then raped her.
The victim managed to escape the following morning while Mnisi was asleep and sought assistance from nearby street vendors. Police were immediately contacted, and Mnisi was arrested on the scene.
The case was assigned to Detective Sergeant Phenyo Monchusi of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. Her diligent work ensured that bail was successfully opposed and the accused remained in custody throughout the trial.
Mnisi was found guilty on two counts of assault GBH and one count of rape. He received five years’ imprisonment for each of the assault charges and fourteen years for the rape. The sentences will run concurrently.
The Acting Bojanala Platinum Sub-District Commissioner, Brigadier Joel Pheto, commended Detective Sergeant Monchusi, the prosecution team, and the witnesses for their resilience and commitment, which contributed to the successful conviction.
