A Northern Cape man was sentenced to serve 40 years in prison by the Victoria West Regional Court after he was found guilty on charges of attempted rape, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, housebreaking with the intent to steal and theft.
AN ACCUSED has been sentenced to serve 40 years imprisonment by the Victoria West Regional Court after he was found guilty on charges of attempted rape, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, housebreaking with the intent to steal and theft.
The incident took place on July 25, 2022, when the accused, Gerald van Wyk, 53, broke into the home of a community member.
National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the owner of the house returned home from work and found that several items had been stolen from her home.
“The accused was later linked to the crime through fingerprint evidence.”
Senokoatsane stated that Van Wyk attempted to rape a relative after he was released on bail on August 27, 2022.
“He grabbed her from behind as she was on her way home. After the accused was unsuccessful in his attempts, he proceeded to hit the victim twice on the head with a stone, causing injuries. The accused was charged with attempted rape and a further count of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.”
He added that while out of custody, Van Wyk was re-arrested on October 20, 2022 for housebreaking with the intent to steal and theft.
“He was kept in custody for the duration of the case.”
Senokoatsane said that the State prosecutor, advocate Van Wyk, in aggravation of the sentence, argued that the court had a duty to consider the need to protect individuals, especially women and their property.
“He reminded the court that both complainants were females whose right to dignity and privacy were mercilessly violated.”
He added that during the trial, the accused pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 years direct imprisonment for housebreaking and theft.
“He was given a 15-year sentence for charges of attempted rape and assault and was also sentenced to 13 years of direct imprisonment for housebreaking with the intent to steal and theft. The sentences will not run concurrently as the accused had 23 previous convictions.”
