Family Demands Justice as Rapist of 101-Year-Old Woman Awaits Sentencing

Groblersdal, Limpopo, The family of a 101-year-old woman who was brutally assaulted and raped in Zaaiplaas outside Groblersdal is calling for justice as the man convicted of the crime awaits sentencing.

Pre-sentencing proceedings against 27-year-old Sifiso Mahlangu are currently being heard in camera at the Groblersdal Regional Court. Mahlangu was found guilty of breaking into the centenarian’s home in July last year, where he assaulted and raped her while she was asleep.

A family member, who cannot be named for safety reasons, said the incident has left the elderly victim mentally and emotionally scarred.
“Our grandmother is no longer in a good mental state. Even when you speak to her, her responses no longer make sense. It is painful to us as a family, but we hope the court will deliver a harsh sentence so that our grandmother can finally get justice,” the relative said.

The shocking case has drawn widespread condemnation, with community members and rights groups calling for tougher penalties for crimes committed against the elderly.

Mahlangu will be sentenced once the court concludes pre-sentencing arguments.