Man sentenced to 15 years for raping and stabbing ex-girlfriend

A Namakwa District case involving rape, kidnapping, assault, and housebreaking has resulted in a custodial sentence for the convicted offender, following swift police action and diligent prosecution by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Namakwa area.

Corne Cooper, a 25-year-old male from Rooiwal, was convicted on 17 September 2025 in the Regional Court in Springbok on charges stemming from an incident on 29 June 2024. On that day, Cooper allegedly followed his ex-girlfriend from a local tavern, abducted her, and took her to his grandmother’s residence, where he stabbed and raped her. SAPS members from Vioolsdrift responded promptly, leading to Cooper's arrest.

He was initially granted bail with strict conditions.

Cooper violated his bail conditions on 23 March 2025 by unlawfully entering Rooiwal and breaking into a residence. Following a physical altercation and his subsequent flight, he was rearrested.

Bail was opposed, and he remained in custody pending trial.

Cooper pleaded guilty to all four charges on 17 September 2025.

He was sentenced as follows:

Rape: 20 years imprisonment, with 5 years suspended for 5 years

Kidnapping: 10 years imprisonment

Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm: 3 years imprisonment

Housebreaking with intent to steal: 2 years imprisonment

Counts 2, 3, and 4 will run concurrently with Count 1, resulting in an effective 15 years imprisonment.

District Commissioner Brigadier Schalk Andrews welcomed the sentence, commending the investigating officer, Sgt. Elrich Losper and the prosecutor, Mr Basil Kock, for their dedication and professionalism in securing justice for the victims.