A repeat rape offender was yesterday sentenced to life imprisonment for another sexual offence he committed only a year after he was released on parole.

Sempe Zondi, 33, was released on parole after serving half of his 2010 sentence for rape and kidnapping. He was released on parole in 2015.

But a year later, he committed a similar offence and this time, he stabbed his latest victim 12 times before raping her.

Protea magistrate Audrey Mpofu said she was not convinced by Zondi's plea for a lenient sentence, saying he could not be rehabilitated.

"I am left with many questions that remain unanswered. The accused was not remorseful but it became clear to him that he could be found guilty... He pleaded guilty and was found guilty," Mpofu said.

She said the victim, who testified in mitigating and aggravating circumstances for sentence, had told the court that she wanted the accused to be given a "death penalty".

Zondi was found guilty and pleaded guilty to rape, kidnapping and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He was sentenced to life for all three counts.

Looking at the victim's pictures from the docket, Mpofu said: "[The injury on her] left chest. This could have killed her. [Another] above her waist on her abdomen... It is a dangerous wound that could have ended her life."

Mpofu said the victim sustained stab wounds to her palms which shows she was trying to prevent herself from being stabbed.

Prosecutor Njabulo Zulu had earlier told the court that there was a "wrong and very bad approach" where men buy women alcohol and think they are entitled to have sex with them.

"Women are not sex objects which can be used because you bought them alcohol," Zulu said.

Zulu questioned the parole system, adding that the court dealt with cases involving repeat offenders on a daily basis.

"The parole system is not producing the intended results. The system is not working and should be reviewed," Zulu said.

Zondi did not indicate to the court on whether he intends appealing or not.