Brutal tunnel attack: Rapist jailed for 12 years after DNA links him to crime

A 30-YEAR-old Northern Cape man has been sentenced to 12 years behind bars for raping a woman in a chilling group attack that left the victim disoriented and traumatised in a tunnel under the N12 near Hopetown.

The Hopetown Regional Court handed down the sentence to Bennet Louw after convicting him of rape and theft. He received 10 years for rape and two years for theft, with the court ordering that the sentences run consecutively. Louw was also declared unfit to own a firearm.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said that the brutal assault took place on April 27, 2024, when the 40-year-old woman was walking home from a local tavern.

She was attacked by a group of men and later regained consciousness in the tunnel, confused and distressed. Standing beside her was Louw. The woman soon realised she had been raped and that her cellphone, lighter, and cigarettes had been stolen.

Louw was arrested and later linked to the rape through DNA evidence.

State prosecutor Nicola van Niekerk argued for a harsh sentence to reflect the gravity of the offence. The court heard that the circumstances of the attack were horrific, and that Louw showed no remorse during the trial. A victim impact statement, compiled with the assistance of court preparation officer Dineo Speak, outlined the profound emotional and psychological trauma experienced by the survivor.

In delivering sentence, the court highlighted the severity of the crime and the long-term impact on the victim. Louw had remained in custody throughout the trial after his bail application was denied.

Senokoatsane said the NPA commended the efforts of the investigating officers, prosecution team, and everyone involved in bringing the case to justice.

“The NPA reiterates its commitment to relentlessly prosecuting crimes of gender-based violence, particularly against women and children. These crimes infringe on the constitutional rights to dignity, security, and privacy, and the NPA will continue to act without fear, favour, or prejudice in ensuring justice is served,” said Senokoatsane.