Rape-accused acquitted on fourth attempt

A man convicted and jailed for attempted rape has been acquitted by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) after his fourth attempt at overturning the decision.

- Molefe Seeletsa

Vincent Japhta was sentenced to eight years in prison for attempted rape in December 2021, more than two years after the incident that led to his arrest.

The alleged incident occurred on 19 May 2019.

During the trial in the Mitchells Plain Regional Court, the complainant testified that, on the night of the incident, she went to sleep, fully clothed.

She said she passed out due to intoxication and later woke up to find Japhta on top of her.

Japhta said he and the complainant kissed twice and when the complainant told him she didn't want to continue, he stopped all physical contact.

The court also heard that the complainant told her sister about the incident and was examined by a doctor the following day.