The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, Gqeberha, has sentenced 44-year-old Lindile Hini to life imprisonment for the rape of a 70-year-old woman in Kwazakhele, Gqeberha.
The court also handed him additional sentences—three years for housebreaking with intent to commit rape and two years for violating the Older Persons Act.
The incident took place on October 29, 2023, when Hini entered his neighbor’s house through an unlocked back door. The elderly woman, unaware of the intrusion, was resting with the lights on, expecting her son to arrive home.
Hini, who had lived next door since 1984, undressed and told her he had been waiting for “the opportunity” for some time. He then forcibly removed her clothing and sexually assaulted her.
After the attack, he requested a bucket of water, washed himself, dressed, and left the house. The victim later contacted a friend, sharing what had happened, before informing her son the next day. The police were called, leading to Hini’s arrest on November 2, 2023.
Legal Battle Ends in Maximum Sentence
During the trial, Senior State Advocate Ansiot Kimfley argued that the assault was premeditated. “Hini admitted to lusting after the complainant for some time,” Kimfley told the court, stressing the brutality of the crime.
Hini, in his defense, claimed that the elderly woman seduced him while intoxicated, but the court rejected this, calling it an unfounded attempt to shift blame.
A Victim Impact Statement, presented by Court Preparation Officer Ayanda Heugh, revealed that the victim had experienced suicidal thoughts since the attack. Fearing Hini might avoid prison, she decided to sell her home rather than continue living near him.
Court Takes Firm Stand Against Abuse
The sentencing ensures that Hini remains behind bars, with his additional sentences running concurrently with the life term. The court also ruled that Hini may not possess a firearm, and his name will be placed on the sex offenders register.
The Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Barry Madolo, welcomed the judgment, stating, “This ruling sends a strong message about the severity with which such crimes are treated.”
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