Nelspruit - An Mpumalanga man, convicted of raping two women, was sentenced to an effective 60 years' imprisonment on Wednesday.
Mduduzi Sydwell Mnguni, 27, was first arrested on November 14, 2010, after he was accused of breaking into the home of a 49-year-old woman and raping her, a Sapa correspondent reported.
After being released on bail, he was again arrested by the community on February 11, 2012, for breaking into the home of an 85-year-old woman and raping her too.
He pleaded not guilty in the Nelspruit Regional Court to two counts of housebreaking with intent to rape and two counts of rape with grievous bodily harm.
Forensic tests carried out on Mnguni's blood linked him to the two rapes.
Passing sentencing on Wednesday, Magistrate Willie Wilkens said Mnguni entered the home of the 49-year-old woman, who lived only with a mentally ill boy, through the roof.
“You went straight into her bedroom, climbed on her bed strangled her until she felt difficulty breathing. After you tied her hands with an electric cable, you removed her panties and raped her,” he said.
According to the woman, there was light in her room and she was able to identify Mnguni.
Wilkens said on August 11, 2012, Mnguni entered the house of the 85-year-old woman after breaking through a kitchen window.
“You headed straight into her room while she was bathing. You then strangled her in such a manner that she discharged faeces. You then stretched her legs and raped her,” he said.
Wilkens said the 85-year-old woman gave a comprehensive version that satisfied the court about the attack and rape.
The magistrate said there were no substantial and compelling circumstances for a lesser sentence.
“What is more aggravating is that you show no remorse. The court is mindful that prison will have a drastic effect on your life as it is a severe punishment. But you should be removed from society,” he said.
Wilkens sentenced Mnguni to 10 years for both counts of housebreaking and two life sentences for the two rapes. The sentences will run consecutively, which means he will serve an effective 60 years in jail.
Sapa