COMMUNITY REIGN OF TERROR ENDS WITH 10-YEAR SENTENCE
27 NOVEMBER 2025
COMMUNITY REIGN OF TERROR ENDS WITH 10-YEAR SENTENCE
Springbok, Northern Cape – As South Africa marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the Springbok Regional Court has delivered a decisive message on accountability by sentencing Jake Bock (27) to 10 years' direct imprisonment for a series of violent and sexual offences that left the Bergsig community traumatised for years. In a matter prosecuted by Regional Court Prosecutor Basil Kock, Bock was convicted of rape, statutory rape, and arson after pleading guilty in terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act. He was notorious for terrorising the Bergsig community near Springbok and had amassed 12 previous convictions, including seven for housebreaking and theft, as well as drug-related offences. His reign of intimidation ended with his arrest on 9 March 2023. He was denied bail and remained in custody until his sentencing on 25 November 2025.
Sentences imposed:10 years’ imprisonment for the rape of his girlfriend, 3 years’ imprisonment for statutory rape of a 15-year-old minor 7 years’ imprisonment for arson at the Wielie Walie Pre-School. Under Section 280 of the Criminal Procedure Act, the sentences for statutory rape and arson will run concurrently with the rape sentence, resulting in an effective sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment. Additionally, the court ordered that Bock’s name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders (Section 50 of Act 32 of 2007). He was declared unsuitable to work with children (Section 120 of Act 38 of 2005). He was declared unfit to possess a firearm (Section 103 of Act 60 of 2000).
The charges arose from incidents committed in 2022. In April 2022, Bock forced his former girlfriend to accompany him to his grandmother’s home, where he raped her at knifepoint. The court found no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. In November 2022, he admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl, despite repeated warnings from her mother. He also participated in a break-in at the Wielie Walie Pre-School, where equipment was stolen before the building was set alight, causing extensive damage. This sentencing comes at a symbolic moment in the national calendar, reinforcing the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) unwavering stance on eradicating sexual violence and community-based crime.
“The NPA remains unwavering in its commitment to protect vulnerable members of our communities, especially women and children. We commend the courage of the victims and the swift, meticulous prosecution of this matter. Community terror and sexual violence will not be tolerated.” Said Upington Cluster Chief Prosecutor, Armando Damarah, in the Northern Cape Division of the NPA.
The NPA acknowledges the profound trauma inflicted by repeat offenders and continues to prioritise cases involving Gender-Based Violence, child protection, and community safety. This sentence reaffirms the justice system’s dedication to restoring dignity to victims and ensuring safer communities. Every successful prosecution is the result of rigorous investigative and prosecutorial work and reflects the NPA’s daily efforts nationwide.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539