MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER OF EX-GIRLFRIEND

Stilfontein, North West – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of life imprisonment handed down to 56-year-old Stephan Pule for attempted murder, and six years’ imprisonment for kidnapping his former girlfriend.

The Stilfontein Regional Court heard that on 2 July 2023, Pule and an accomplice punctured the victim’s vehicle tyres while it was parked outside an entertainment venue. They waited for her to leave the establishment.

When the victim discovered the flat tyres and stopped to inspect them, an unknown man approached her. He was later identified as Pule’s accomplice. The man opened fire on her. Pule then emerged and stabbed her.

Despite sustaining serious injuries, the victim survived. Pule forced her into his vehicle and drove her to a field, where he threatened to kill her. Fearing for her life, she pleaded with him to spare her and promised not to report the incident.

Pule later dropped off his accomplice at an undisclosed location and continued driving with the victim. After hours of pleading, he agreed to take her to a nearby hospital. Before doing so, he instructed her to tell authorities that he had rescued her if they asked about her injuries.

The victim initially agreed out of fear but later confided in medical personnel and disclosed what had happened. Concerned for her safety, she was transferred to an undisclosed medical facility for further treatment and protection.

Through the efforts of investigating officer Warrant Officer Piet Scheepers, Pule was traced and arrested.

The State, led by Prosecutor Chris Kok, presented a victim impact statement compiled by Daniel Marungwane, a social worker employed by the Department of Social Development. The statement detailed the profound emotional and psychological trauma the victim continues to experience.

The victim testified that she lives with fear and anxiety, experiences flashbacks and struggles to sleep. She is particularly worried because Pule’s accomplice has not been traced. She also testified that she had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and relies on medication to manage her condition.

The victim described her relationship with Pule as toxic and said she ended it. She testified that he would threaten to take his own life whenever she tried to leave him.

In mitigation of sentence, Pule claimed that he was the primary caregiver to his minor children. The probation officer disputed this, confirming that although Pule has minor children, he was not their primary caregiver.

In argument, the State asked the court to consider the severity of the victim’s injuries, including a bullet fragment that remains lodged in her body and cannot be removed. The State also submitted that the offences were carefully planned and carried out by Pule and his accomplice in furtherance of a common purpose.

The State emphasised the seriousness of gender-based violence and femicide, which remain national priorities requiring decisive intervention.

The court found that the State had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and that the mitigating factors advanced by Pule did not amount to substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence.

Pule was sentenced as follows:

- Attempted murder: Life imprisonment.

- Kidnapping: Six years’ imprisonment.

The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently and declared Pule unfit to possess a firearm.

The Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentence, saying it should deter those who resort to violence in domestic relationships and those who abuse women, children and other vulnerable members of society.

The NPA remains committed to prosecuting gender-based violence and holding perpetrators accountable, while ensuring that victims and their families receive the justice they deserve.

Issued by:

Lindiwe Mabasa

Communication Officer

National Prosecuting Authority

North West Division