Man Sentenced to Life for Brutal Hammer Attack and Rape of Ex-Girlfriend
A Limpopo man has received a hefty sentence for a vicious assault on his former partner, which included beating her with a hammer and sexually assaulting her.
Aifheli Tshinavha, 41, from Ha-Magau village in Limpopo, South Africa, has been convicted of kidnapping, sexual assault, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Despite pleading not guilty at the Louis Trichardt Regional Court, the evidence presented against him was overwhelming.
The court heard a harrowing account of the events that transpired on May 7, 2023: "The victim stated that on May 7, 2023, in Ha-Magau village, she was on her way back home from attending a stokvel when she met Aifheli, her ex-boyfriend. He dragged her to his house while threatening to kill her. Upon arrival, the accused assaulted her with a hammer on the head and further forcefully slept with her."
The prosecution's case was bolstered by corroborating evidence: "The evidence given by the victim collaborated with her mother's testimony and the J88 medical report that showed injuries sustained because of the assault. After the ordeal, she reported the matter to the police station and was also taken to the hospital," the court heard.
State Advocate Tshilidzi Rose Mugeri emphasized the severe psychological impact on the victim and Tshinavha's apparent lack of remorse:
"The accused is a heartless person, and he was not remorseful of his conduct."
During sentencing, presiding officer Hailie Kellerman underscored the broader societal implications of Tshinavha's actions:
"He did not care that we are fighting against gender-based violence and abuse of women and children in the country."
The court imposed a stringent sentence reflecting the gravity of Tshinavha's crimes: Life imprisonment for rape, 10 years for kidnapping and 15 years for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
This case highlights the ongoing struggle against gender-based violence in South Africa and demonstrates the judiciary's commitment to imposing severe penalties on perpetrators of such heinous acts. It serves as a grim reminder of the need for continued efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and combat violence against women and children in the country.
Source:
https://www.snl24.com/drum/news/local/ex-boyfriends-found-guilty-in-separate-gbv-cases-20240703