ELDERLY MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER OF LIFE PARTNER
12 DECEMBER 2025
ELDERLY MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER OF LIFE PARTNER
Williston, Northern Cape – The Williston Regional Court has sentenced Hans Van Wyk (61) to an effective 20 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of his 55-year-old life partner, committed on 23 December 2024. Van Wyk was charged with murder, read with Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997, after he repeatedly stabbed the deceased during an argument.
On the day of the incident, the deceased was visiting a friend when the accused arrived and asked two of her friends to accompany him to fetch her. They walked with him and found the deceased at another friend’s home. Van Wyk instructed her to return with him. While walking back, he became aggressive and continued arguing with her before pulling a knife from his pocket and stabbing her multiple times in the body and chest. Fearing for their safety, the deceased’s friends fled as the attack unfolded. The victim was declared dead at the scene. Van Wyk was arrested shortly thereafter. He later pleaded guilty and was convicted of murder. During sentencing proceedings, the defence argued for a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence.
Regional Court Prosecutor Darryl Bromkamp, appearing for the State, argued that the family continues to grieve deeply and emphasised that the deceased did not deserve to die in such a cruel and violent manner. He highlighted the severity of the crime and the devastating impact on the victim’s loved ones.
In delivering sentence, the court found that substantial and compelling circumstances existed, but nevertheless imposed a punishment reflecting the gravity of the offence. Van Wyk was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment, of which five years are suspended for five years, resulting in an effective 20 years’ direct imprisonment. He was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reaffirms its commitment to pursuing justice for victims of gender-based and domestic violence. The tragic loss of life in this case underscores the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring that violence within intimate relationships is met with firm and decisive action. The NPA emphasises the sanctity of human life and will continue to vigorously prosecute such cases to deter would-be offenders.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539