FIVE LIFE TERMS PLUS 73 YEARS FOR SERIAL RAPIST
The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, Gqeberha, sentenced Granton Williams (45) from Smarty Town in Missionvale to five life imprisonment terms plus an additional 73 years. The sentence follows his convictions for a series of crimes committed between 2017 and 2021 across Missionvale and Algoa Park, including rape, robbery, kidnapping and pointing an object that could be mistaken for a firearm. Williams’ crime spree began on 21 October 2017, when he attacked a woman walking home. After forcibly taking her phone and threatening her with what appeared to be a firearm, he raped her in a secluded area. The victim reported the assault to a family member and was later examined at Dora Nginza Hospital. On 24 November 2017, Williams targeted another woman on her way to the White House Tavern. He pointed a firearm at her, forced her to a different location, assaulted her, and raped her. This attack was reported to the police, and forensic evidence was gathered at Dora Nginza Hospital.
Williams struck again on 24 January 2018, approaching a woman near Church Street under presence. He then brandished a firearm, raped her, and stole her leather jacket and cellphone. The incident was reported to the police, and forensic evidence was collected. On 11 November 2018, Williams used similar tactics, asking for directions from another woman before forcing her to a nearby house under threat of a firearm and knife. He raped her and stole her cellphone and leather jacket. The assault was reported, and a forensic examination was conducted.
On 18 December 2021, while a victim was on her way to buy meat, Williams offered to help with cakes and then forced her to a school ground. He threatened her with a knife, raped her, and told her to leave. She sought help and was examined at Dora Nginza Hospital. On 27 August 2022, Williams was arrested while cutting copper pipes from a property in Algoa Park. The stolen pipes were confirmed to be from a reported theft. Upon his incarceration, DNA swabs were taken from him, and they positively linked him to the rapes. Consequently, Williams pleaded guilty to all charges.
Arguing for an appropriate sentence, Senior State Advocate Ismat Cerfontein, that the sentence should provide an opportunity for the court to unequivocally condemn such heinous crimes and to serve as a deterrent to those who would seek to perpetrate similar acts. By imposing a fitting sentence, the court can demonstrate its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the citizens of this country from those who would seek to harm them, she argued.
Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Barry Madolo hailed the conviction as a major victory in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The sentence underscores our unwavering commitment to confronting sexual violence and holding offenders accountable. This case reaffirms our dedication to protecting every individual’s rights and dignity and serves as a powerful reminder that justice is resolute and attainable. GBV remains a critical issue, and this conviction sends a strong message that such acts will not be tolerated. The NPA remains committed to ensuring justice for victims of sexual violence and encouraging them to come forward to report such heinous crimes.
