Williston man sentenced to five years imprisonment for assaulting a minor
A Williston man has been handed a five-year prison sentence after a brutal assault on a three-year-old girl.
Image: File
The Williston Magistrate's Court has sentenced 22-year-old Arnold Jonkers to five years imprisonment for the grievous assault of a minor child.
The sentence was welcomed by Colonel Diketso Lekgwathi, the Acting District Commissioner of the South African Police Service in the Namakwa District.
The incident that led to the court proceedings occurred on Sunday, March 19 2023, when a three-year-old girl was walking home with her parents. The family encountered a violent altercation involving two known individuals in their vicinity. Concerned for the safety of his family, the victim's father intervened to break up the fight.
However, Jonkers allegedly retaliated by throwing stones and bricks at the family, and one brick struck the child on the head. The young girl sustained serious injuries and required urgent medical attention at a local facility.
Following the incident, law enforcement was notified, prompting swift action.
Detective Constable Anthony Willemse of the Calvinia Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit spearheaded the investigation. His efforts were critical in opposing bail for Jonkers, who faced multiple court appearances before ultimately being convicted and sentenced.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court declared Jonkers unfit to possess a firearm, a decision aimed at ensuring the safety of the community. The Namakwa District Management praised Constable Willemse for his unwavering dedication to effectively prosecuting violent crimes against children and holding perpetrators accountable.