SYLVESTER Mosoma was sentenced on Friday to 18 years by the Mhala Regional Court.
He was found guilty of raping an 11-year-old boy.
But Mosoma believes the verdict was based on his looks, instead of evidence.
“I might look ugly in my face, but my blood is red just like yours,” he told the court.
Mosoma, from Chavela Gaza Village in Acornhoek, Mpumalanga raped the boy in 2009.
He has been in jail ever since.
In his last appearance on 19 July, he begged the court to sentence him, as he was tired of all the postponements.
However, he pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Prosecutor Matume Maake said Mosoma never showed any remorse for what he did.
“Despite the guilty verdict, the accused still denied the crime,” said Maake.
“His victim suffered a mental breakdown as a result of his actions.
“He will never forget what happened to him.”
While standing in the dock, Mosoma shouted at Magistrate Elmarie Theron.
He begged the court to have mercy on him, as he has a son.
“I have been locked up for a long time. I can assure this court that I have used this time fruitfully by taking advantage of the free education offered in jail.
“If I am released from jail, I will play a good role in society.”
