A 15-year-old boy testified in court that he did not fight back when 46-year-old Nontokozo Sakhile Dludlu allegedly raped him twice because he was deeply afraid of her.
The trial is taking place before Principal Magistrate Florence Msibi in Eswatini.
The charges against Dludlu involve breaking Section 3 of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act of 2018.
The alleged incidents took place on August 19, 2026, in the Luve area.
Court Testimony of the Minor
The teenage complainant gave a detailed account of the events. He explained that his mother passed away in 2015 and he never met his biological father.
His grandmother acts as his primary guardian.
According to the testimony:
Dludlu was a neighbor whom the boy had known for many years. On the day of the incident, Dludlu was drinking traditional brew at a makeshift structure in the family’s yard.
The boy’s grandmother was selling the drink. Dludlu allegedly leaned against the teenager in a flirtatious way.
The homestead ran out of electricity units. The boy went to get his grandmother’s cell phone to buy more power.
Dludlu followed him inside the house. She allegedly grabbed his hand, pushed him onto a sofa, and touched him improperly before assaulting him.
The boy stated this was his very first sexual experience. He did not physically resist the attack because fear paralyzed him.
The assault paused when they heard the grandmother approaching the area to close the business. Dludlu left first, and the boy followed moments later.
Disclosure and Police Involvement
The young victim kept the ordeal a secret initially. He felt too shocked and scared to inform any older adults. Instead, he confided in a friend.
Later, his brother confronted him and asked him about the situation. This questioning prompted the teenager to reveal what happened.
The family then reported the crime to the local police. Following the report, authorities took the minor to the Dvokolwako Health Centre.
Medical professionals examined him as part of the formal evidence collection process. During his time on the stand, the complainant firmly stressed that he never gave consent and did not enjoy the assault.
The Defense and Next Steps
Nontokozo Sakhile Dludlu has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her. Her version of events differs from the testimony given by the teenager.
Dludlu told the court that the minor asked her to walk with him into the house to provide light so he could load the electricity units.
She completely denies that she sexually assaulted the boy. The court session adjourned after the testimony and cross-examination.
The magistrate postponed the trial to allow for further proceedings and additional witness statements.
The case continues to draw public attention regarding the protection of minors and the legal definitions of consent and fear during sexual offenses.
