The accused was aware he was HIV positive when he committed the offence.
A NORTHERN Cape man, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape, was also sentenced to 15 years for attempted murder as he was aware that he was HIV positive when he committed the offence.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Mohale Ramatseba said the charges related to a rape incident that occurred in Carnarvon on April 7, 2018.
“The accused, Henry Ghala, attacked and raped a 26-year-old woman who was waiting for transport to Victoria West from Carnarvon, at about 4pm,” said Ramatseba.
He said that the police arrested Ghala on the same day that they were notified about the incident. “The accused was released on R500 bail with conditions that he should not interfere with the victim and witnesses.
“The case was meticulously investigated by Constable Lee-Vime Raaf from the Carnarvon Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit. During the investigation, it was discovered that the accused was HIV positive and was aware of his HIV status when he committed the rape. Hence a charge of attempted murder was added.”
Ramatseba said that the Carnarvon Regional Court on Friday sentenced Ghala to life imprisonment for rape and 15 years for attempted murder.