After she was raped, a 71-year-old woman from Kwazakhele felt so ashamed that she planned to take her own life.
On Thursday, the Gqeberha High Court heard how the woman had written a suicide note and went to four different shops to buy Rattex, but could not find the substance.
Further details of the devastating impact the rape had on her life were laid bare in a victim impact assessment that was submitted to the court by State Prosecutor Ansiot Kimfley.
Lindile Hini, 44, was found guilty of raping the woman on 29 October 2023.
He was also found guilty of breaking in with the intent to rape and for violating the Older Person's Act.
On the day of the offence, Hini entered the complainant's home through a kitchen door while the woman was asleep.
The backdoor was unlocked so her son, who lives on the property could enter the house.
Before raping the complainant Hini undressed himself and told her that he had been waiting for that moment.
When the deed was done, he told her to fetch him a bucket of water.
He washed his genitals, got dressed, and left.
According to the victim impact statement, the complainant planned to take her own life.
She said she was shocked that a "young boy" could even think about doing something like that to her.
The complainant could not eat for a month, and help had to be sought from a psychiatrist who administered medication to help her heal from the trauma.
Kimfley said the complainant relayed that her home is no longer her safe haven and that she fears for her life.
"He took advantage of a vulnerable old lady.
"She told the court that at some stage (she told him that her legs were painful, said Kimfley.
The State asked that the minimum prescribed sentences be handed down on all of the charges.
A guilty finding on a rape charge carries a minimum prescribed sentence of life imprisonment.
Hini's attorney, advocate Jodene Coertzen said substantial and compelling circumstances exist to deviate from the minimum prescribed sentence, especially the sentence of life imprisonment on the rape charge.
She did however concede that a lengthy jail term could not be avoided.
Coertzen said Hini is the father of three children, including a matriculant who recently learned that she failed the exams due to the stress of the case.
He holds a post-matric N6 electrical certificate and did odd jobs as an electrician before his arrest.
Hini has been in custody since his arrest on 2 November 2023.
Judge Fungile Dotwana said he would need more time to apply his mind before handing down the sentence.
The case was postponed to 1 April.
