20-YEAR SENTENCE FOR RAPIST WHO BETRAYED VICTIM’S TRUST
04 DECEMBER 2025
20-YEAR SENTENCE FOR RAPIST WHO BETRAYED VICTIM’S TRUST
Calvinia, Northern Cape – The Calvinia Regional Court has sentenced Bronwin Swart (34) to an effective 15 years’ direct imprisonment for the rape of a 27-year-old woman and the theft of her cellphone. Swart received 20 years’ imprisonment for rape, of which 5 years are suspended for 5 years, and an additional 2 years for theft, which will run concurrently with the rape sentence. He has also been declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his name will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. Swart was convicted on one count of rape, read with section 51(2) of Act 105 of 1997, and one count of theft. The offences occurred on 19 November 2024, and he has been in custody since his arrest on 19 November 2023. The victim’s identity is withheld to protect her privacy and dignity. The accused and the victim were known to each other.
On the night of the incident, the victim, who was under the influence of alcohol and did not want to walk home alone, asked Swart to accompany her from a sports bar in Loeriesfontein. Instead of ensuring her safety, he purchased mandrax and dagga, which he and the victim consumed at her home. After smoking, the victim asked him to leave and later passed out with her cellphone on her chest. The following morning, she awoke to find her pants undressed and her cellphone missing. When confronted, Swart denied wrongdoing. The victim reported the rape and sought medical attention, where DNA samples were collected and later positively matched to Swart.
During the trial, the State led evidence from the victim and the investigating officer. After their testimony, Swart opted to make admissions in terms of section 220 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, confirming all elements of the offences. Court Preparation Officer Majorie De Wee prepared the victim for trial and compiled a Victim Impact Statement detailing the emotional and psychological trauma she endured.
In aggravation, Regional Court Prosecutor Darryl Bromkamp argued that Swart betrayed the victim’s trust at a time when she was vulnerable and relied on him for safety. He emphasised that rape inflicts profound physical and emotional harm and urged the court to impose a severe sentence. The State also requested that Swart be declared unfit to possess a firearm, prohibited from working with children, and placed on the National Register for Sex Offenders.
In its judgment, the court recognised the devastating impact of rape on victims and society, noting that the complainant suffered secondary trauma by having to relive the ordeal during her testimony. While considering the time Swart spent in custody, the court found that substantial and compelling circumstances justified the sentence imposed.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence, which affirms the seriousness with which courts view sexual violence and sends a strong message that perpetrators will face decisive consequences for violating the rights and dignity of women.
The NPA remains committed to fearlessly pursuing justice and protecting vulnerable members of society. Crimes of sexual violence infringe on victims’ rights to privacy and dignity as enshrined in the Constitution, and the NPA will continue to rigorously prosecute such offences.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division