KIMBERLEY – A 15-year-old boy was sentenced to compulsory detention at a youth and child care centre for five years, followed by a further three years’ imprisonment for raping a five-year-old boy.
This conviction and sentencing in terms of the Child Justice Act by the Kimberley Regional Court on 7 October follows an incident that occurred on 18 December 2024 at Longlands near Delportshoop. The accused raped the five-year-old boy in the bathroom of his parents’ home.
After the assault, the victim returned home and experienced difficulty sitting. His aunt noticed his discomfort and questioned him, whereupon he broke down and revealed what had happened, said Sergeant Molefi Shemane, police spokesperson in the Northern Cape.
The incident was immediately reported to the police, and the victim was taken to hospital for a medical examination.
The suspect was subsequently arrested on 20 December and the details were processed in accordance with the Child Justice Act.
Following his first court appearance on 23 December, he was detained at a place of safety for juveniles in Kimberley and later abandoned his right to apply for bail.
The management of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Frances Baard District commended Constable Patience Fortuin of the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for her thorough investigation, which led to the successful conviction and sentencing.
Sentenced for striking 3-year-old with brick
In another unrelated incident, a man from Williston in the Northern Cape, the 22-year-old Arnold Jonkers, was sentenced by the Williston Magistrates’ Court to five years’ imprisonment for assaulting a child.
This follows an incident on Sunday, 19 March 2023, when the three-year-old victim was walking home with her parents. On their way they encountered two known individuals fighting near their residence.
The victim’s father intervened to stop the altercation. After the fight had been broken up, the accused allegedly began throwing stones and bricks toward the family, striking the child on the head with a brick and seriously injuring her. She was rushed to a local medical facility for treatment.
The incident was subsequently reported to the police, and the suspect was arrested and charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, said Sergeant Merapelo Pilane, police spokesperson.
Detective Constable Anthony Willemse of the Calvinia Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit led the investigation. He successfully opposed bail for the accused, who made several court appearances before being convicted and sentenced. The court further declared Jonkers unfit to possess a firearm.
The Namakwa District Management commended Willemse for his thorough investigation and dedication to ensuring that violent crimes against children are effectively prosecuted and perpetrators held accountable.
Break the silence
The SAPS emphasises that every child deserves protection, care, and dignity. The public is urged to break the silence and report any form of abuse by contacting:
- SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10111
- GBVF Command Centre: 0800 428 428
- Childline: 116
- Human Trafficking Hotline: 0800 222 777
All information will be treated confidentially.
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