Pniel rapist sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment

A 24-year-old man, John Swarts, has been sentenced to 15 years' direct imprisonment for raping a 26-year-old woman on Pniel Farm near Barkly West in January 2023.

According to details uncovered during the investigation, the victim was walking from town toward the farm when Swarts, who was collecting cans in the veld, passed her. Moments later, he charged at her, held a broken bottle to her neck, and forced her to the ground, where he raped her.

The Barkly West Regional Court found Swarts guilty of rape after a meticulous investigation led by Detective Constable Rosy Senye from the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.

The court also declared Swarts unfit to possess a firearm, and his name will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has reiterated its commitment to vigorously investigating cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and ensuring justice and protection for all victims of such crimes.