12 years for man who set partner alight in Northern Cape

A NORTHERN Cape man who poured paraffin over his life partner before setting her alight has been sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of attempted murder in the Upington Regional Court.

The complainant sustained severe burn wounds during the incident, which took place on September 21, 2019.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the perpetrator, Heinrich van Wyk, 35, and his 32-year-old life partner were involved in a violent domestic dispute when he doused her with paraffin from a household lamp and set her alight with a match.

"She sustained severe burns to her chest, stomach, neck, face, head, and both arms. Neighbours who rushed to her aid described the horrific scene, with her skin peeling off and forming blisters. The victim was initially treated at Dr Harry Surtie Hospital in Upington before being airlifted to Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberley for emergency care.” 

Senokoatsane noted that despite the complainant’s request to withdraw charges, the State, represented by prosecutor René du Plessis, pursued the case due to its seriousness and the history of abuse.

“The victim received support throughout the trial from court preparation officer Ashley Groenewald, who helped her manage trauma and compile a victim impact statement. 

“During the trial, Van Wyk denied responsibility, claiming the victim had set herself alight because she was suicidal. The court rejected this defence, finding the victim’s testimony credible and supported by medical experts and neighbours.

“A doctor testified that her injuries – burns to 25 percent of her body – were life-threatening and unlikely to have been self-inflicted. It was reported that her right hand had been permanently damaged, making it impossible for her to write.”

He added that the complainant detailed how the ordeal had a devastating impact on her and her children, who were bullied and mocked because of her visible scars.

"She revealed that the abuse began with slaps and kicks but escalated to a near-fatal attack. State prosecutor Du Plessis argued that the crime was a clear example of domestic abuse and gender-based violence (GBV) and stressed the need for strong court action to protect women. The court agreed, noting Van Wyk’s lack of remorse and his treatment of the victim as property rather than a partner." 

Senokoatsne said the court condemned the crime as a “repulsive offence marked by cruelty, jealousy, and control".

"Van Wyk was declared unfit to possess a firearm."

The chief prosecutor of the Upington Cluster, Armando Damarah, welcomed the sentence, describing it as a victory for the complainant and for women across the country.

“This case is a wake-up call for women who continue to suffer in silence. The law offers protection, and we encourage survivors to come forward and break the cycle of abuse. We commend the courage of the victim and the dedication of the prosecution team, whose efforts ensured justice was served."

He added that each successful prosecution was the result of painstaking investigative and prosecutorial work, reflecting hundreds of similar cases finalised daily in the fight against GBV.