Today, 18 June marks 500 days since a young woman was raped and stabbed in a brutal attack that she will never forget. Recently, the perpetrator was sentenced to three years in prison. Although Action Society is pleased he is behind bars, we feel that three years is a lenient sentence.
She was raped and stabbed multiple times in Fisantekraal, Durbanville on 4 February 2023. She was followed by a man she recognised from the area. He raped her before he tried to kill her by stabbing her multiple times. She survived the incident, and the accused has been in custody ever since.
On 30 May the suspect pleaded guilty on a charge of assault. The guilty plea was accepted by the court and the accused was found guilty and sentenced to three years direct imprisonment. The charge of sexual assault was withdrawn against the accused due to a lack of sufficient evidence. Unfortunately there were no witnesses to testify in this case.
“Action Society is pleased that he is behind bars, but disappointed that the charge of sexual assault was dropped,” said Head of Action Society’s Action Centre, Kaylynn Palm. “Our wish for the young woman is to heal and live proudly as a victor in the face of immense trauma.”
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