A 44-year-old man, Lindile Hini, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of his 70-year-old neighbor in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
Hini was convicted of multiple offenses, including housebreaking with intent to commit rape and violating the Older Persons Act. The court handed him a life sentence for the rape and additional sentences for the other crimes, which will run concurrently.
The incident took place on the evening of October 29, 2023, when the elderly woman was at her home in Kwazakhele, Gqeberha.
She had left the back door unlocked for her son, unaware that Hini, who had been her neighbor for over 30 years, would use this opportunity to break into her house. Once inside, Hini forcibly removed the woman’s clothing and sexually assaulted her.
After committing the assault, Hini washed himself with a bucket of water and left the scene. The victim, deeply shaken by the attack, reached out to a friend and later informed her son.
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On November 2, 2023, Hini was arrested at his home. Police investigations revealed that the elderly woman received medical attention and counseling at the Thuthuzela Care Centre to help her recover both physically and emotionally.
In court, Senior State Advocate Ansiot Kimfley argued that Hini had premeditated the assault, pointing out that he had been lusting after the victim for some time.
Despite Hini’s defense, in which he falsely claimed the elderly woman had seduced him while drunk, the court rejected his version of events. The court found that the assault was violent, non-consensual, and a clear violation of the woman’s rights.
In her victim impact statement, the elderly woman shared the emotional toll the assault had taken on her, leading her to fear for her safety and ultimately sell her home.
Despite Hini’s claims of remorse, the court sentenced him to life in prison, ensuring he will not be able to harm others. His name will also be added to the sex offenders register.
Barry Madolo, the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, praised the sentence, noting it sends a strong message about the serious consequences of such crimes.
