15 YEARS DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR ASSAULT WITH THE INTENT TO DO GRIEVOUS BODILY HARM

15 YEARS DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR ASSAULT WITH THE INTENT TO DO GRIEVOUS BODILY HARM

Richard Scheepers (44) has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for Assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm-domestic relationship by the De Aar Regional Court. On 02 November 2023, the accused, and the complainant/victim Sarah Jansen (43) were drinking in town. Later in the day, they went home where they started arguing over an R20-00 and the argument escalated. The accused got angry, took a knife, and stabbed the victim in the face several times. The accused also picked up a rod and hit the victim on her right arm. The victim managed to run out of the house and ask for assistance. The police were contacted, and the accused was arrested and charged.

During the trial, the prosecution led by Prosecutor Xolisa March handed in a victim impact statement compiled by the complainant and facilitated by the Court Preparations Officer, Sinazo Ndletyana. In her statement, the complainant said she is finally free and can live her life again since the accused person has been in custody. During the trial state provided the court with the accused records, which showed and proved that the accused person had a previous conviction of murder in 2015 and that he was a repeat offender. In sentencing, the court found that there were no compelling and substantial circumstances to deviate from the prescribed sentence and sentenced the accused person to 15 years of direct imprisonment.

The National Prosecuting Authority envisages that these sentences will provide some justice and closure to the victims and their families and remove violent criminals from our streets. This sentence will also send a clear message to perpetrators of GBVF that, the prosecution is serious about fighting the scourge of abuse and killings of women.