Rape and robbery: Hopetown trio sentenced after chilling attack

THREE men have been sentenced in connection with a terrifying home invasion and rape that took place in Hopetown six years ago, bringing a long and painful journey to justice for the survivor.

The Hopetown Regional Court handed down sentences this month, following a drawn-out trial into the disturbing 2019 case. One of the men, 27-year-old Klaas van Rooyen, was found guilty of rape, housebreaking, and theft. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison — 10 years for rape and an additional three years for the break-in and theft, to run consecutively.

His co-accused, Jack Jantjies, 29, and Jaco Demas, 34, were each sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for their role in the housebreaking and theft. All three men have also been declared unfit to own a firearm.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the incident took place on May 17, 2019. 

According to court proceedings, a 28-year-old woman and her sister were at home when they noticed a strange smell inside the house. They later went to their respective bedrooms. The next morning, the woman awoke to the horrific discovery that she had been raped, and that valuable items – including a music box – had been stolen.

The police launched an investigation led by Detective Sergeant Frans Louw of the Hopetown SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit. His efforts led to the recovery of the stolen property and eventually to the arrest of four suspects. One of them died during the trial. Crucially, forensic evidence linked Van Rooyen directly to the rape.

After years of waiting, some measure of justice has finally been served — and while the court’s ruling brings closure to one chapter for the survivor, the emotional scars and trauma of the attack are likely to linger far longer.

The SAPS provincial management, meanwhile, praised Detective Sergeant Louw for his “meticulous” investigative work and also recognised the vital role played by the National Prosecuting Authority and advocate Nicola van Niekerk in securing the convictions and final sentencing.