RAPIST SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT BY HOPETOWN REGIONAL COURT
17 July 2025
RAPIST SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT BY HOPETOWN REGIONAL COURT
Hopetown, Northern Cape – The Hopetown Regional Court has sentenced Bennet Louw (30) to an effective 12 years of direct imprisonment following his conviction on charges of rape and theft. He was sentenced to 10 years for rape and 2 years for theft, with the court ordering that the sentences run consecutively. Louw was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearms Control Act.
The conviction stems from a traumatic incident on 27 April 2024, when the 40-year-old victim was walking home from a local tavern. She was attacked by a group of men and later regained consciousness in a tunnel under the N12, disoriented and in distress. Louw was found standing next to her. The victim realised she had been raped and that her cellphone, lighter, and cigarettes had been stolen. He was positively linked to the crime through DNA evidence.
State Prosecutor Nicola van Niekerk argued for a harsh sentence that reflects the seriousness of the offence, pointing out that the accused showed no remorse and that the circumstances of the attack were horrific. A Victim Impact Statement (VIS), prepared with the assistance of Court Preparation Officer Dineo Speak, outlined the severe emotional and psychological impact the crime had on the survivor. In delivering judgment, the court noted the gravity of the offence and the long-term trauma inflicted on the victim. Louw remained in custody throughout the trial after his bail application was denied.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) commends the work of the investigating officers, the prosecution team, and all those who contributed to securing justice in this case.
The NPA reiterates its commitment to relentlessly prosecuting crimes of gender-based violence, particularly against women and children. These crimes infringe on the constitutional rights to dignity, security, and privacy, and the NPA will continue to act without fear, favour, or prejudice in ensuring justice is served.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
Regional Spokesperson – NPA Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539