An Eastern Cape High Court has come down on hard on an unrehabilitated 72-year-old child rapist.

Mzimkhulu Makroza Thompson was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to rape and attempted rape of his neighbour’s nine-year-girl granddaughter in a district of Zwelitsha. According to the National Prosecuting Authority the man attacked the little girl while she was sleeping. He gagged her with his hand and forcefully undressed her. The grandmother walked in and caught him in the act.

It emerged that it was not the first time that he sexually violated the child. He had threatened to kill her if she told anyone about her ordeal.

During sentencing the state advocate Vatiswa Jodwana-Blayi argued that Thompson was not suitable for rehabilitation, as he was out on parole for another rape. She further stated that his age could not be considered to benefit him. The Bhisho based court agreed.