Byline: Levhuwani Matumba
17 July 2026
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of 23-year-old Samkelo Mahlangu, who was sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment for the rape of his 93-year-old neighbour in Vezubuhle, KwaMhlanga.
The horrific attack took place in September 2022. Although the elderly victim passed away before the trial began, the court found Mahlangu guilty based on compelling circumstantial, forensic and medical evidence presented by the State.
The court heard that on 17 September 2022, Mahlangu forcibly entered the victim’s home after breaking open her door. Knowing that the elderly woman lived alone, he raped her inside her house.
A passerby who heard the victim screaming rushed to investigate. Upon entering the house, he found the victim lying on the floor, bleeding. She told him that the attacker was still inside the house. After searching the premises, the witness found Mahlangu hiding beneath a wardrobe that had been pushed over in one of the rooms.
Police were called to the scene, and Mahlangu was arrested shortly afterwards.
During the trial, Mahlangu denied raping the victim, claiming that he had gone to her house after hearing screams and that she had opened the door for him. However, State Prosecutor Bianca Harmse presented DNA evidence, medical findings and eyewitness testimony that proved his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The court rejected Mahlangu’s version of events as false and convicted him of housebreaking with intent to rape and rape in terms of the Criminal Law Amendment Act.
In addition to the 10-year prison sentence, the court declared Mahlangu unfit to possess a firearm under the Firearms Control Act.
The NPA praised the prosecution team and the South African Police Service for their thorough investigation and presentation of evidence, saying their work ensured justice was served despite the victim passing away before the trial commenced.
