LENGTHY IMPRISONMENT FOR A REPEAT OFFENDER
23 February 2026
LENGTHY IMPRISONMENT FOR A REPEAT OFFENDER
Springbok, Northern Cape – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the conviction and sentencing of Marvin De Klerk (40) to 25 years’ direct imprisonment by the Springbok Regional Court for the rape of a 43-year-old woman. The conviction and sentence stem from an incident that occurred on 15 July 2024 in the small mining town of Nababeep, approximately 20 kilometres from Springbok.
On the evening in question, the complainant and her friend were at a local drinking establishment where they encountered the accused and his companions. Although the groups were separate, the complainant’s friend was acquainted with the accused and engaged him in conversation, expressing surprise at his release from prison. Later that night, as the complainant and her friend left the establishment, the friend noticed the accused outside and observed that he appeared to be in possession of a firearm. The two women considered reporting the matter at the nearby police station but walked past it, concerned about their state of intoxication. Approximately 150 metres from the police station, while the complainant had briefly stepped aside, the accused approached her from nearby bushes. He threatened her with a knife and forced her to undress before raping her. He then fled the scene. The complainant returned home and informed her husband, who accompanied her to the police station. In the meantime, the complainant’s friend had already reported the incident. Although there was initially only one police officer on duty and no police vehicle available, additional officers returned to the station shortly thereafter. The accused was identified by name, located, arrested, and subsequently charged with rape.
During the trial, the accused claimed that the sexual encounter was consensual. However, under cross-examination by Regional Court Prosecutor Bail Kock, his version was found to be improbable and inconsistent. He failed to explain how consent was obtained and declined to answer further questions.
In aggravation of sentence, the State proved that the accused has eight previous convictions, including two for similar offences. Notably, he was on parole for a similar offence at the time he committed this crime. A Victim Impact Statement, compiled by Court Preparation Officer Desmond Cloete, detailed the profound emotional and relational harm suffered by the complainant, including strain on her marriage and family life. The State argued that no substantial and compelling circumstances existed to justify a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence.
The court rejected the accused’s version and accepted the State’s case beyond a reasonable doubt. He was sentenced to 25 years’ direct imprisonment. The court further declared him unfit to work with children, unfit to possess a firearm, and ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
The NPA reiterates its commitment to vigorously prosecuting sexual offences and ensuring that repeat offenders face the full might of the law. Such sentences affirm the justice system’s resolve to protect vulnerable members of society and to hold perpetrators accountable. Sexual violence infringes upon the constitutional rights to dignity and privacy, and the NPA will continue to pursue justice to provide closure to victims and remove violent offenders from communities.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539