By Mapaballo Borotho
- A 47-year-old Cape Town man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for rape and attempted rape.
- The crimes were committed against two men while they were staying at a shelter in Akasia.
- The NPA says the conviction highlights its commitment to holding perpetrators of sexual offences accountable.
The Pretoria North Magistrates Court has sentenced a 47-year-old man from Cape Town to 20 years’ direct imprisonment for the rape of a 32-year-old man and the attempted rape of a 43-year-old man.
At the time of the incidents, Neil Klein and both survivors were residing at a shelter in Akasia.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said Klein pleaded not guilty to all the charges, claiming the 43-year-old victim had falsely accused him because he owed him money.
“State Prosecutor Adv. Given that Twala presented compelling evidence, including testimony from both victims, which proved Klein’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt,” said Mahanjana.
During sentencing proceedings, Klein, through his legal representative, asked the court to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence, citing his difficult upbringing, limited education due to epilepsy, and the fact that he had previously been living on the streets of Pretoria Central before being accommodated at the shelter.
The court also heard that Klein targeted vulnerable men who were staying at the shelter while trying to rebuild their lives.
In delivering judgment, the Magistrate agreed with the State, finding that Klein showed no remorse and deliberately targeted vulnerable members of society.
The court also noted that male victims often face significant challenges in reporting sexual offences.
Mahanjana says the NPA remains committed to prosecuting sexual offences to protect vulnerable people and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
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