Man sentenced to life imprisonment for assaulting his 70-year-old neighbour

Friday, April 4, 2025 - The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, Gqeberha, has sentenced one Lindile Hini (44) to life imprisonment for the r3pe of his 70-year-old female neighbour. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in a statement on Friday, April 4, 2025, said the court also sentenced Hini to three years for housebreaking with intent to commit r3pe, and two years for contravening the Older Persons Act. 

These offences took place on the eve of 29 October 2023 in Kwazakhele, Gqeberha.

“The pensioner was at her home in Kwazakhele, sleeping with the lights on, and had left the back door unlocked for her son. Hini, her next-door neighbour since 1984, entered the house through the back door, undressed, and told her he had been waiting for “the opportunity” for some time. He then forcibly removed her pants and s3xually assaulted her,” the statement read.

After the assault, Hini requested a bucket of water, washed his genitalia, got dressed, and left. 

The complainant later contacted a friend, informing her that her neighbour had r3ped her. The following day, she told her son about the assault, and they called the police. 

Hini was arrested at his residence on 02 November 2023. The complainant was taken to the Thuthuzela Care Centre, where she received medical attention and counselling to address both her physical and emotional well-being.

Senior State Advocate Ansiot Kimfley argued for an appropriate sentence, stating the assault was premeditated, as Hini admitted to lusting after the complainant for some time. 

Kimfley emphasised the brutality of the attack, highlighting Hini’s calculated entry into the complainant’s home and his disregard for her safety. 

In his defence, Hini claimed the elderly woman had seduced him while drunk. This claim was rejected by the court, as it was clear the complainant, a vulnerable woman in her seventies, had been subjected to a violent, non-consensual assault.

In a Victim Impact Statement, compiled by Court Preparation Officer Ayanda Heugh, the complainant expressed suicidal thoughts and fear. She ultimately decided to sell her home, fearing Hini might not receive a prison sentence and that she would continue to live in fear.

Hini, a first-time offender, was convicted on 16 January 2025 and has been incarcerated since his arrest. His sentences will run concurrently with the life sentence. It was also ordered that Hini may not possess a firearm, and his name will be entered into the sex offenders register.

Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, welcomed the sentence, emphasising that it sends a strong message regarding the seriousness with which such crimes are treated by the court.