HOPETOWN MAN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR BRUTAL ASSAULT ON PARTNER
04 December 2025
HOPETOWN MAN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR BRUTAL ASSAULT ON PARTNER
Hopetown, Northern Cape – The Hopetown Regional Court has convicted and sentenced Christopher Antoine (44) to 10 years’ direct imprisonment for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) committed against his romantic partner. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearms Control Act. The offence occurred on 1 March 2024 when the complainant, then 26 years old, returned home with the accused after visiting a friend with her son. Upon their arrival, Antoine began accusing her of infidelity. When she denied the allegations, he launched a vicious attack, slapping her and striking her in the mouth with his fist. The violence escalated when he used the back of a shoe brush to assault her knees, dragged her outside, and continued the brutal attack by hitting her with a shovel on her head and ribs. After the assault, the accused took the child into the house while the severely injured complainant sought help. A passing couple stopped and transported her to the police station, from where she was taken for medical attention.
The State, represented by Regional Court Prosecutor Nicola van Niekerk, strengthened its case by presenting a Victim Impact Statement compiled by Court Preparation Officer Dineo Speak, detailing the psychological and physical trauma suffered by the survivor. At the time of the offence, the accused had been released on warning and was appearing in court on a J175. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence as a firm stance against gender-based violence, particularly within intimate relationships where victims are often most vulnerable. This conviction reaffirms the justice system’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and upholding the rights and dignity of victims.
The NPA remains steadfast in its mandate to pursue justice without fear, favour, or prejudice. We will continue to prioritise crimes committed against women and children, working closely with partners across the Criminal Justice System to ensure safer communities and that perpetrators face the full might of the law. These outcomes offer survivors and their families a measure of justice and help remove violent offenders from society.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539