Family States Victim Can Finally Rest After Prison Sentencing
A man from Athlone, Raymond Matthews, who admitted to the rape of a 63-year-old woman with mental health issues, has been sentenced to 23 years in prison by the Wynberg Regional Court.
Just under nine months after authorities began searching for Matthews, 36, he confessed to assaulting the elderly woman while her family was absent, having been provided accommodation by her relatives.
Earlier this year, the three children’s family spoke to the Daily Voice, disclosing the disturbing details of the incident, following Matthews’ decision to withdraw his bail application.
They mentioned that the elderly woman had been diagnosed with Schizophrenia and had experienced a mental breakdown years prior.
The family had taken Matthews in when he requested assistance.
On 27 February, while the victim’s sister left their Hazendal home to visit the Sassa offices at 5:30 am, Matthews entered the elderly woman’s room and raped her.
He further threatened to kill her if she disclosed the assault to her family.
Medical examinations confirmed the rape, leading to the opening of a criminal case; however, Matthews initially evaded capture.
He was subsequently apprehended, and demonstrators from the Callas Foundation in Bridgetown protested outside the court, submitting a letter to the Magistrate requesting that bail be denied.
A 33-year-old family member stated that Matthews expressed remorse during the court proceedings.
The family member explained: “He appeared on 20 November, and the Magistrate sentenced him to 23 years.”
“The Magistrate indicated that he could have received a life sentence, but due to his admission of guilt and apparent remorse, he was given a lighter punishment.”
“Matthews is known to be a drug user and previously sold drugs, leading to a conviction. He also has a pending sexual assault case involving a minor.”
The family member added that Matthews had previously been arrested for murder, stating: “He spent nine months in custody for the murder charge, but the case did not proceed because the eyewitness refused to testify against him after he allegedly stabbed a man to death with a screwdriver.”
The family shared that the elderly woman experienced sleepless nights in fear that her attacker might return.
“She suffers from nightmares because of his death threats if she disclosed the incident to us. She is relieved by the outcome and feels safe again. We remain horrified and appalled that he could betray a woman who treated him like a mother.”
Caroline Peters from the Callas Foundation expressed her approval of the sentence: “This ruling reinforces the notion that justice can prevail, providing a degree of comfort to the survivor and her family.”