MAN SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS FOR VIOLATING PROTECTION ORDER
The Upington District Court has sentenced a 51-year-old man to seven years of direct imprisonment for violating a Protection Order. The accused and the victim, a 49-year-old woman, were in a cohabiting relationship and shared two children. Due to a history of domestic violence, the victim successfully obtained a Protection Order on 2 August 2019, prohibiting the accused from any form of abuse, including verbal, emotional, and physical harm.
On 17 November 2024, the victim returned home after staying at a friend’s house. The accused became aggressive, verbally abusing her with vulgar insults and accusations of infidelity. The victim did not engage, walked away, and reported the incident to the South African Police Service (SAPS). The accused was arrested on 19 November 2024 and appeared in court for the first time on 21 November 2024.
On 19 February 2025, the accused pleaded guilty and was convicted. During sentencing, Prosecutor Benise Swartz presented evidence that the accused had been previously convicted twice for similar offences against the same victim, both times receiving wholly suspended sentences. The State emphasised that gender-based violence (GBV) is a persistent crisis and that women have the right to live without fear or intimidation.
Recognising its duty to protect vulnerable individuals, the court imposed a seven-year direct imprisonment sentence due to the accused’s repeat offences. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) commends the prosecutor and law enforcement for their diligence in securing justice in this case. The NPA remains committed to prosecuting GBV-related offences decisively to protect victims and hold offenders accountable.
