LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR MAN CONVICTED OF RAPE AND ROBBERY IN GALESHEWE

03 November 2025

LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR MAN CONVICTED OF RAPE AND ROBBERY IN GALESHEWE

Galeshewe, Northern Cape – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Northern Cape welcomes the life sentence imposed by the Galeshewe Regional Court on Lebogang Joseph van Wyk (27) for rape and robbery with aggravating circumstances. The sentencing was delivered today, 03 November 2025. Van Wyk received life imprisonment for rape and 15 years for robbery. His name was entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders, and he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

On 08 August 2020, the 19-year-old victim, a Phatsimang College student, was walking home at night after her boyfriend dropped her off. Van Wyk followed, chased, overpowered her with a knife, robbed her handbag (containing cellphone, student card, and belongings), and raped her twice in the veld behind Bougroup, Kimberley. Traumatised, she reached Bougroup, where her mother (a Correctional Officer) resides. Officials assisted her in reporting the matter, and she received a medical examination.

The victim accessed trauma counselling and support at Galeshewe Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC), part of the NPA’s SOCA Unit. Police investigation linked van Wyk via fingerprints on her sanitiser bottle and DNA from semen. He was arrested. Van Wyk denied knowing the victim, claiming consent. The victim testified courageously as a single witness with consistent evidence.

The court rejected his contradictory version. Prosecutor Shareen Links highlighted prior convictions (theft, housebreaking) and a Victim Impact Statement by Lindo Sikhakane, detailing suicidal thoughts, academic failure, fear, anxiety, and lost confidence. The court emphasised the offences’ brutality and lasting harm, finding no reason to deviate from minimum sentences.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions commended the team, Court Preparation Officer, investigating officer, and TCC staff. Chief Prosecutor Advocate Keageletse Ilanga stated, “The NPA upholds justice for GBV victims. This sentence warns sexual predators that they will face the law’s full force.” The NPA’s fight against sexual violence is bolstered by expanding TCCs from 55 (2020/2021) to over 64, providing comprehensive victim support.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Northern Cape Division

Email: MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za

Tel: 073 423 3539