By BAKANG MOKOTO
28 February 2025- A man (37) was sentenced to 20 years by the Colesberg Regional Court for rape. On August 2024, Johannes Arends raped a woman (18), who was visiting friends in Riemvasmaak in Colesberg.
Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said at 9pm, the victim decided to return home, and the accused offered to walk her home. Ehlers said on arrival at her residence, he threatened her and raped her, then fled the scene.
“She called for help and a community member assisted her. The victim reported the incident to the police. Detective Sergeant Ilse Fan from the De Aar Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit led the investigation.
“Together with members from Colesberg SAPS, Arends was traced and subsequently arrested. He remained in custody until his sentencing on 25 February 2025. Arends was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his name is to be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders,” she said.
Ehlers further said Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains a priority for the SAPS, and detectives will work tirelessly in collaboration with prosecutors to ensure that meticulous investigations are conducted and perpetrators are brought to book.
Picture: The
The Guardian 