Victory for GBV Victim as Court Hands Down 10-Year Sentence

01 APRIL 2025

Victory for GBV Victim as Court Hands Down 10-Year Sentence

Garies, Northern Cape - The Garies Regional Court has sentenced Darryl Joseph (34) to 10 years of direct imprisonment for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). Additionally, Joseph has been declared unfit to work with children and to possess a firearm.
The offence occurred on 15 October 2022 in Paulshoek, a small town near Garies in the Namakwa area of the Northern Cape. At the time, the accused was in a relationship with the 17-year-old complainant.

On the day of the attack, the complainant was socializing with friends at her cousin’s house when Joseph arrived and aggressively called her outside. As she approached him, he brutally assaulted her with a dropper pole, striking her in the face.
In a desperate attempt to shield herself, the complainant grabbed her friend, using her as protection against the blows. Her friend managed to escape, fearing for her safety. The complainant also attempted to flee, but Joseph chased her down and continued his violent assault, repeatedly striking her face and body while verbally degrading her.
Despite attempts by the complainant’s cousin and friends to intervene, Joseph persisted in his attack. He later took the complainant to his residence, where the assault continued before they eventually went to bed. The following morning, the complainant seized an opportunity to escape and sought help from a family friend. Joseph pursued her, pleading for forgiveness and professing his love, but by that time, the police had already been alerted.
It later emerged that this was not the first instance of abuse. The complainant had previously endured assaults at the hands of the accused but had refrained from laying charges due to his repeated pleas for forgiveness. The attack left her with multiple injuries, including severe facial fractures requiring surgical intervention.

The charge against Joseph was brought under the minimum sentence legislation. The burden was on him to prove substantial and compelling circumstances that would justify a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment. Following consultation with the complainant and investigating officer, Warrant Officer Anthea Cloete-Landrew, Regional Court Prosecutor Basil Kock entered into a plea and sentence agreement with the defence. It was determined that no such circumstances existed, leading to the imposition of the mandatory sentence.

This sentence underscores the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) commitment to ensuring justice for victims of gender-based violence and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Northern Cape Division

Email: MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za

Contact: 073 423 3539