READ: Justice served for women who was raped in her home at the age of 82, 13 years ago.

Madibogo, North West – A 50-year-old man, Tlotlano Simon Monnatshitlo, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal rape of an 82-year-old woman in her home near Madibogo village, North West, 13 years ago. The sentencing, handed down by the Atamelang Regional Court on April 25, 2025, marks the culmination of a long-delayed pursuit of justice for a crime that shocked the community.

On September 21, 2012, Monnatshitlo, then 37, and two accomplices broke into the elderly victim’s home. The assailants raped the woman before fleeing. Despite her trauma, the victim promptly reported the incident to neighbors, triggering an investigation. DNA evidence linked Monnatshitlo and one co-accused to the crime, but the case stalled as both co-accused died before trial, and a third suspect could not be connected.

The trial faced significant hurdles. The victim passed away before proceedings began, preventing her direct testimony. However, the prosecution successfully admitted her hearsay statement under the Law of Evidence Amendment Act, bolstered by two witness testimonies and a conclusive DNA report. Monnatshitlo pleaded not guilty and remained silent throughout the trial, leaving the state to prove its case. The compelling evidence led to his conviction.

The life sentence reflects the severity of the crime and serves as a strong message against gender-based violence (GBV). Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions, hailed the verdict, stating, “This sentence is a deterrent to perpetrators of gender-based violence.” The ruling offers a measure of closure to the victim’s family and community, despite the 13-year delay.

This case underscores both the resilience and challenges of South Africa’s justice system in tackling GBV. The successful use of forensic evidence highlights its critical role in securing convictions, particularly when victims can no longer testify. However, the lengthy delay raises questions about systemic inefficiencies, emphasizing the need for reforms to expedite justice for vulnerable victims.

The sentencing of Tlotlano Simon Monnatshitlo is a bittersweet victory, delivering justice long overdue for an elderly victim who showed immense courage. As South Africa grapples with high rates of GBV, this case stands as a beacon of accountability and a call to strengthen efforts to protect the vulnerable.