Rapist weeps at life sentence
2008-05-21 19:10
Grahamstown - A 29-year-old man who repeatedly raped and then beat a woman broke down and cried on Wednesday when he was sentenced to life inmprisonment.
Judge Jean Nepgen earlier found Bulelani Siwayi, of Tyoksville, Dordrecht, guilty of raping a 33-year-old mother of two young children at his house on September 16 last year.
Siwayi pleaded not guilty to raping the woman, claiming she had consented to sexual intercourse.
The woman testified that she did not know the accused, and that he continued to rape her despite the fact she had told him she was HIV-positive.
The court heard she was in hospital for three days after being severely beaten with a broomstick.
"It is clear to me that your actions have not only had a serious effect on the complainant, but on her family," said Judge Nepgen.
He said society was "heartily sick and tired of seeing increasing violence being perpetrated against women and children".
The complainant, who had been present throughout the three-day trial, told reporters she was "very pleased" with the outcome of the case.
- SAPA