Latest news with #DeAar
The Herald
5 days ago
- The Herald
Former Northern Cape cop who stole to feed his drug addiction jailed
The De Aar regional court has sentenced former police constable Thanduxolo Kwindla to an effective eight years of direct imprisonment after convicting him on four counts of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft. Kwindla, 38, who resigned from the police shortly before committing the offences, carried out the housebreakings between August 2021 and April 2023 in Nonzwakazi location, where he lived. His modus operandi involved breaking into homes during the evening and stealing valuable items to support his drug addiction. The stolen goods were worth about R35,000, said Northern Cape NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane. Kwindla was arrested in April 2023 and remained in custody until the finalisation of the matter. In aggravation of sentence, prosecutor Xolisa March emphasised the seriousness and prevalence of housebreaking and theft in the area. She argued that as a former officer of the law, the accused had betrayed public trust and acted with full awareness of the unlawfulness of his actions. The court also considered two victim impact statements, facilitated by court preparation officer Trott Manghana, which outlined the emotional and financial toll on the victims. In delivering the sentence, the court acknowledged Kwindla's circumstances but stressed the severity of his crimes and their impact on both victims and the broader community. He was sentenced to three years' imprisonment on each count, with the court ordering that, in terms of section 280 of the Criminal Procedure Act, the sentences run concurrently, amounting to an effective eight-year sentence. TimesLIVE
The South African
25-05-2025
- The South African
Man arrested for kidnapping and raping minor in Western Cape
A Western Cape man was arrested after he kidnapped and raped a minor in George on Saturday, 24 May 2025. The 42-year-old suspect approached two girls walking along York Street near the George Cemetery. 'He convinced the two minors to accompany him to a nearby shop. They were taken to an open field near the R102, also known as Airport Road, where the ten-year-old girl was allegedly raped,' read the police statement. The other girl managed to escape and informed her family about the incident. Several community safety structures and local security companies began searching for the victim. The police said, 'The search took the team to Syferfontein near Pacaltsdorp in George, where the man was tracked down.' Police investigations led to a residence between the N2 and Airport Road, where they found the victim. She was taken to a medical facility for care. The suspect is currently in police custody and will appear in court once charged. A man was sentenced to eight years in prison for raping an 18-year-old girl in November 2023. According to a police statement, the suspect, Gavin Hendriks, held the victim at knifepoint and raped her while she was on her way back from an establishment. 'The accused dragged her to the soccer field, undressed her, and proceeded to sexually assault her. The accused fled the scene, leaving the victim, who went to the nearest house and received assistance in contacting the police,' read the police statement. Hendriks pleaded guilty to raping the victim and the De Aar Regional Court convicted and sentenced him. Approximately 142 Gender Based Violence (GBV) suspects have been arrested during Operation Shanela. Additionally, the operation arrested 732 suspects who have been on the run after committing violent crimes, including murder, rape, armed robbery, sexual assault and car hijacking. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
