Prieska mom paralysed in violent assault by ex-partner

A 29-YEAR-old Prieska man has been sentenced to 12 years of direct imprisonment for the attempted murder of the mother of his child, following a violent and life-altering attack that left the victim partially paralysed.

The Prieska Regional Court heard that Warren Visser launched the unprovoked assault on Saturday, November 9, 2024. According to testimony, the woman was sitting with friends when Visser approached her, hurled verbal abuse, and then attacked her — slapping and stabbing her multiple times.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam said the victim sustained severe injuries and was hospitalised for nearly a month. She is now confined to a wheelchair as a result of the assault.

Visser pleaded guilty to attempted murder and was handed a 12-year prison sentence. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

Pixley Ka Seme district commissioner Major-General Nomana Mtukushe praised the co-ordinated work between law enforcement and prosecutors. Detective Constable Boipelo Polelo from the Prieska SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, together with the State prosecutor, advocate Cornelia Deetlef, were commended for their efforts in securing the conviction.