By BAKANG MOKOTO

27 October 2026 – A man (49) has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment after being convicted of rape and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) against his girlfriend (29) in Niekerkshoop. The conviction and sentence were secured through the diligent investigative work of Detective Constable Boipolelo Criselda Polelo of the Pixley ka Seme District Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the incident occurred at the victim’s home on Monday, 30 March 2026. Litabe said the evidence presented in the Griekwastad Regional Court revealed that the accused, Floyd van Wyk, arrived at the woman’s home at approximately 7:45pm and accused her of selling her body to other men.

“He then slapped her in the face, undressed her and raped her before stabbing her in the hip with a knife. He also twisted her already broken leg. The police were alerted to the incident and a case of rape and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm was registered at the Niekerkshoop Police Station.

“The accused was arrested on the same day. Detective Constable Polelo was assigned to investigate the case. Her investigation ultimately led to the accused’s conviction and sentencing,” he said.

The acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, commended Polelo for her dedication and thorough investigative work, which ensured that the perpetrator was brought to justice. Ngubelanga said South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), in line with the organisation’s newly established Reset Agenda.

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