PAROLEE SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR ASSAULTING PARTNER WITH KNIFE

Griekwastad, Northern Cape – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the conviction and sentence imposed by the Griekwastad Regional Court on 49-year-old Floyd Van Wyk, who was sentenced to 10 years' direct imprisonment after pleading guilty to assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), read with section 51(2) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997 and section 1 of the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

The conviction stems from a domestic violence incident that occurred in Niekershoop on 28 March 2026. The court heard that the 29-year-old complainant was at her residence in the company of another man when Van Wyk arrived and accused her of being involved in a relationship with him. An argument ensued, during which Van Wyk repeatedly assaulted the complainant by striking her in the face before escalating the attack by stabbing her in the back with a knife.

Despite her injuries, the complainant managed to escape and sought refuge at a neighbour's house. The neighbours alerted the police, and she was transported to a local health facility for medical treatment before opening a criminal case.

Faced with the strength of the State's case, Van Wyk elected to plead guilty.

During sentencing proceedings, State Prosecutor Mothelesi Katlego Thothela argued that domestic violence remains one of South Africa's most pervasive crimes, with devastating consequences for victims, families, and communities. The State submitted that women have the right to live free from violence and intimidation and that the courts have a responsibility to protect those rights through appropriate sentences.

The prosecution further highlighted that Van Wyk committed the offence while on parole, demonstrating a disregard for the law and the conditions attached to his release. The State argued that this was an aggravating factor warranting the prescribed sentence of 10 years' imprisonment.

In support of sentence, the State presented a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) compiled by Court Preparation Officer Lindokuhle Sikhakhane, detailing the complainant's experiences of abuse and the profound physical and emotional impact the offence had on her life. The statement assisted the court in understanding the consequences of the crime from the victim's perspective.

The court accepted the State's submissions and imposed a sentence of 10 years' direct imprisonment, while also declaring Van Wyk unfit to possess a firearm.

The successful prosecution underscores the NPA's commitment to ensuring that survivors of domestic violence receive justice and that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. The presentation of victim-centred evidence, including Victim Impact Statements, remains a critical component of ensuring that the voices of victims are heard during criminal proceedings.

The NPA remains resolute in its fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and will continue to pursue the prosecution of offenders without fear, favour, or prejudice. Crimes of domestic violence inflict lasting harm on victims and communities and have no place in society. Through effective prosecutions and appropriate sentencing, the NPA will continue to play its part in protecting vulnerable persons and strengthening public confidence in the criminal justice system.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane

NPA Regional Spokesperson | Northern Cape Division