A Northern Cape husband was sentenced to serve four years imprisonment by the Upington Magistrate’s Court after contravening a protection order and attacking his wife.
A HUSBAND was sentenced to serve four years imprisonment by the Upington Magistrate’s Court after contravening a protection order and attacking his wife.
The incident occurred on January 16 during the early hours of the morning, while the complainant was preparing herself for the day ahead.
National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said that the husband grabbed his wife during an argument and started to attack her.
“She managed to escape and started running down the street, screaming for help. The accused followed her and continued to attack her in front of neighbours. The accused instructed the complainant to go back home and she complied as she was afraid of him. He instructed her to take off her clothes before continuing to attack her. Even when one of the neighbours tried to intervene, the accused told the neighbour to leave his home as he was dealing with affairs in his marriage,” said Senokoatsane.
He added that the complainant reported the matter to the police and the husband was arrested and charged.
“During the court case, the court heard that the accused had 12 previous convictions, including murder and seven cases of assault. Several sentences were imposed upon the accused ranging from fines, suspended sentences and direct imprisonment.”
Senokoatsane said the State prosecutor, Eloise du Plessis, advised that the court should impose a sentence of direct imprisonment as the accused showed no remorse for his actions or any respect for the rule of law.
“She argued that the court should also send a clear message to other perpetrators of domestic violence, that a protection order should be respected as it serves the purpose of protecting victims of gender-based violence.”
He added that the magistrate pointed out that the complainant had to suffer secondary trauma after being subjected to a lengthy trial.
“The accused was sentenced to four years of direct imprisonment and was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Senokoatsane.
