NPA SECURES EIGHT LIFE SENTENCES AND 17 YEARS' IMPRISONMENT FOR CERES SERIAL RAPIST

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured eight life sentences and an additional 17 years' direct imprisonment against convicted rapist Altman Sampson (46) in the Ceres Regional Court, delivering justice for two women whom he brutally attacked and repeatedly raped.

Sampson was convicted on eight counts of rape, three counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, one count of assault, and one count of kidnapping following offences committed in Bella Vista, Ceres, between June and July 2023.

Regional Court Prosecutor Chantal de Vos successfully proved that Sampson targeted vulnerable women, luring or dragging them to his caravan, where he subjected them to violent physical assaults and repeated sexual abuse.

In June 2023, Sampson attacked a 44-year-old woman as she was returning home from a nearby shop. He grabbed her from behind, assaulted her with his fists, stabbed her with a knife, and dragged her into his caravan. Once inside, he tore off her clothes, continued assaulting her, and raped her repeatedly over an extended period. The victim eventually escaped after the accused fell asleep. For this incident, Sampson faced charges of kidnapping, two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault, and seven counts of rape.

In July 2023, Sampson lured a 25-year-old woman from a shop by falsely claiming to know one of her friends. After taking her to his caravan, he plied her with alcohol before assaulting and stabbing her and raping her. She managed to escape, and Sampson was subsequently arrested after both victims identified him during a photo identity parade.

Both victims testified during the trial and courageously recounted the traumatic abuse they endured.

The State submitted two Victim Impact Statements compiled by Worcester Magistrate's Court Court Preparation Officer Azraa Majiet, detailing the devastating and long-lasting effects of the crimes on the victims' lives.

One victim explained that the attack had far-reaching consequences, including the loss of employment, severe financial hardship, alcohol dependency, emotional withdrawal, and profound psychological distress. She described how overwhelming frustration and emotional pain led to behaviour that was completely out of character, including destructive outbursts at home.

Despite these challenges, she sought to reclaim her life by writing a book titled The Journey to Self-Healing, using her experiences to promote healing and recovery.

The second victim described the ongoing emotional and physical consequences of the attack, including difficulty trusting others, persistent feelings of insecurity, and the loss of the sense of safety and happiness she had enjoyed before the ordeal. She also recounted the severe physical discomfort caused by her injuries and the challenges they created in everyday activities, including sleeping.

During sentencing proceedings, De Vos argued that the court was entitled to consider the prevalence of rape, kidnapping, and violent crimes against women in South Africa. She submitted that society requires protection from offenders who use violence and weapons to violate the bodily integrity and sexual autonomy of women, and that the interests of justice demanded a sentence that would send a strong message that violent sexual offences attract severe punishment.

Throughout the trial, Sampson denied committing the offences and claimed that the sexual encounters had been consensual, alleging that both complainants had falsely accused him.

Magistrate Clifton Maseti accepted the State's evidence and arguments and sentenced Sampson as follows: Life imprisonment on each of the eight counts of rape; Eleven years' direct imprisonment for the three counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm; Five years' direct imprisonment for kidnapping; and Twelve months' direct imprisonment for assault.

The court further declared Sampson unfit to possess a firearm; ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders; and directed that the victims be informed should he apply for, or become eligible for, parole.

The NPA welcomes the sentence, which reflects the seriousness of the offences committed and demonstrates the criminal justice system's commitment to holding perpetrators of gender-based violence accountable. This outcome is the result of the dedicated efforts of the prosecution team and criminal justice stakeholders who worked together to ensure justice for the victims and to protect women from violent sexual offenders.

Issued by:

Eric Ntabazalila

Regional Communications Manager - Western Cape

National Prosecuting Authority