SERIAL RAPIST SENTENCED TO AN EFFECTIVE 35 YEARS’ DIRECT IMPRISONMENT BY DE AAR REGIONAL COURT

De Aar, Northern Cape – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence imposed on 26-year-old Nyvan Pieters, who was sentenced by the De Aar Regional Court to an effective 35 years’ direct imprisonment for two counts of rape committed against two women in separate incidents.

The court heard that the first incident occurred on 25 May 2024 at approximately 03:00 in Britstown. The 30-year-old victim was walking home when she encountered Pieters. After she declined his invitation to accompany him for drinks, Pieters became aggressive, dragged her towards the railway station, and raped her.

During the attack, Pieters assaulted the victim, causing an open wound to her forehead as well as bruising to her neck, back and knees. In a courageous attempt to escape, the victim threw sand into Pieters’ eyes and managed to flee. She returned home partially undressed and immediately reported the incident. The police were contacted, and Pieters was subsequently arrested by members of the Britstown SAPS. DNA evidence later linked him to the offence.

The second incident occurred on 2 March 2025 at approximately 15:00 in De Aar. The 61-year-old victim and her friend were at the Britstown hiking spot outside De Aar while waiting for transport. They approached Pieters, who was seated in a vehicle, and requested assistance with a lift.

Pieters informed them that the vehicle did not belong to him and suggested that the victim accompany him to seek permission from the owner. Trusting his explanation, the victim entered the vehicle. Instead of taking her to the purported owner, Pieters drove towards the Gwarry area outside town, where he stopped the vehicle and forcibly removed her.

Despite her attempts to resist and call for help, Pieters overpowered and raped her. He later drove her back to the hiking spot, where her friend had already left. The victim reported the matter to the De Aar SAPS and underwent a medical examination. With the assistance of her friend, Pieters was identified and arrested. DNA evidence subsequently linked him to the offence.

During sentencing proceedings, State Prosecutor Xolisa March presented two Victim Impact Statements to the court, compiled with the assistance of Court Preparation Officers Nicolene Mora and Sinazo Ndletyana.

The 61-year-old victim detailed the profound emotional trauma and suffering she has endured since the rape. The 30-year-old victim described how the devastating impact of the offence led her to resort to alcohol as a coping mechanism.

In aggravation of sentence, the State argued that Pieters had violated the bodily integrity, dignity, and fundamental rights of both victims. The prosecution submitted that he deliberately exploited the victims’ vulnerability, fully aware that they were intoxicated at the time of the offences.

The State further informed the court that Pieters had a pending rape matter when he committed the second rape. The prosecution argued that the gravity of the offences, the circumstances under which they were committed, and the need to protect society justified a lengthy term of direct imprisonment.

The court agreed with the State's submissions and sentenced Pieters to 20 years’ direct imprisonment on the first count of rape and 15 years’ direct imprisonment on the second count. The sentences resulted in an effective 35 years’ direct imprisonment.

In addition, the court ordered that Pieters’ name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

The NPA commends State Prosecutor Xolisa March, the investigating officers, forensic experts, and all criminal justice role players whose efforts ensured that the perpetrator was successfully prosecuted and sentenced. The outcome demonstrates both the effectiveness of victim-centred prosecution and the critical role of DNA evidence in securing convictions for serious sexual offences.

The sentence sends a strong message that serial sexual offenders will be met with the full force of the law. It further affirms the courts’ commitment to protecting women from sexual violence and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for violating the dignity, bodily integrity, and safety of victims.

The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide through the vigorous prosecution of sexual offences, while ensuring that victims are treated with dignity and supported throughout the criminal justice process.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Northern Cape Division

MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za