By REGINALD KANYANE
14 November 2024: Two brothers were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Hopetown Regional Court for raping a woman (31). Kobus and Abraham Syster aged 25 and 31 respectively, raped a woman on 2 January 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said two accused gained entrance to the victim’s home and took turns raping her, while her boyfriend was asleep. Sam said the duo then fled with the victim’s belongings.
“The brothers pleaded guilty and were both sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and an additional 12 months for theft, both sentences to run concurrently. The court also declared both suspects unfit to possess firearms and instructed that their names be recorded in the National Register for Sex Offenders,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Otola, praised the prosecution and investigating teams led by Advocate Nicola Van Niekerk and Detective Sergeant Ricardo Kock, for their thorough and meticulous investigation of the case ensuring the life-long incarceration of the accused. Otola reiterated that partnerships are key in the fight against GBV.
“As we approach the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, police will be bold in their approach and support the theme: “30 Years of Advancing collective action to end Violence against women and children.”
“The police are encouraging the public to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services and to report criminal behaviour via the MySAPS App and 08600 10111. All information will be handled confidentially,” he said.
The Guardian 