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IN A WIN for justice and the Carnarvon SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit, a 20-year prison sentence was handed down in the De Aar Regional Court for two rape cases in Vosburg.
The first incident occurred on February 1, 2019, when a 35-year-old woman was assaulted in her own home.
According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock, the victim was asleep when the perpetrator broke into her residence and raped her. The victim identified the attacker as 27-year-old Pedro Hendricks, also known as “Trossie”, and promptly reported the crime to the police.
While awaiting trial on bail, Hendricks committed a second rape on June 2, 2022, this time targeting a 23-year-old woman in Vosburg. He was immediately apprehended, and his bail was successfully contested.
On April 25, Hendricks was found guilty of both rape charges. The court sentenced him to 10 years direct imprisonment for each count, totalling a 20-year sentence.
The Northern Cape provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, praised Detective Sergeant Ayanda Phillips for his thorough investigation. Phillips’ diligent work ensured that the perpetrator of these gender-based violence crimes was not granted impunity.