By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
30 September 2026 – A man (38) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Fraserburg Regional Court for the attempted murder of his former partner, whom he repeatedly stabbed, resulting in the loss of her right eye. On 23 February 2024, Hendrik Blou and his former partner (23) were drinking alcohol at his parental home when she told him that she no longer loved him and left the house.
Blou allegedly followed her as she walked along the street and attacked her from behind, stabbing her repeatedly. When the complainant turned around, she recognised Blou as her attacker.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said he continued stabbing her in the face and eye until she lost consciousness. Senokoatsane said the victim later regained consciousness at Abraham Esau Hospital in Calvinia before being transferred to Kimberley for specialist treatment.
“Due to the severity of her injuries, her right eye had to be surgically removed. A second complainant witnessed the attack. Two days later, Blou allegedly threatened to kill her if she disclosed what she had seen, prompting her to report the matter to the police.
“Blou was arrested on 27 February 2024 and remained in custody throughout the trial. During the proceedings, the state presented evidence from several witnesses, including an eyewitness and two medical practitioners who testified about the extent of the victim’s injuries,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said the court found that the state had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted Blou on all counts.
He added that the witnesses were supported and prepared for trial by Court Preparation Officer Majorie De Wee, who also assisted the victim in compiling a victim impact statement detailing the physical, emotional and psychological consequences of the attack.
“During sentencing, regional court prosecutor, Darryl Bromkamp argued that the offences were serious and demonstrated a pattern of violent behaviour. The court was informed that Blou had previous convictions for murder and two counts of rape and had committed the present offences while on parole.
“The state argued that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence,” he said.
Senokoatsane said the authority remained committed to prosecuting perpetrators of serious and violent crimes, particularly those involving gender-based violence. He said the NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting perpetrators of serious and violent crimes, particularly offences involving Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
“We will continue to support victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process and pursue justice without fear, favour, or prejudice. The court agreed with the State’s submissions and sentenced Blou to life imprisonment for attempted murder.
“He was also sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for common assault, to run concurrently with the life sentence, and declared unfit to possess a firearm. The NPA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims and witnesses while working to protect vulnerable members of society and strengthen public confidence in the criminal justice system,” said Senokoatsane.
