No protection: Five years behind bars for savage knife attack on ex-girlfriend

A BRUTAL breach of a protection order has landed Lerato Ratikane, 35, behind bars for five years after stabbing his ex-girlfriend multiple times in a violent outburst in Lethabo Park, Roodepan.

The Kimberley Regional Court this week found Ratikane guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) following the attack, which took place on the morning of October 28 last year.

According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam, Ratikane confronted the woman and insisted she accompany him to his shack. When she refused — citing the protection order — he became aggressive, produced a knife, and launched the assault. The victim lost consciousness and only awoke later in the hospital while receiving medical treatment.

In addition to the five-year sentence, the court also declared Ratikane unfit to possess a firearm.

The Frances Baard district commissioner, Major-General Charlotte Makgari, praised the investigative work of Warrant Officer Daniel Satisfied from the Galeshewe SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for helping secure the conviction.

The SAPS has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling all forms of gender-based violence. Members of the public are encouraged to report any incidents of abuse or threats by contacting the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or by using the MySAPS app, which allows for anonymous tip-offs.