NC man sentenced to 13 years for raping 61-year-old aunt

A 28-year-old man from Vanwyksvlei, Northern Cape, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for raping his 61-year-old aunt. The De Aar Circuit Regional Court convicted the man on Wednesday, October 29 2025, and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

The incident occurred on December 17 2021, when the victim was awakened at 2am by an unknown person sexually assaulting her. The attacker threatened to kill her if she screamed, but she managed to escape through a window and seek help from her daughter's house.

The police were immediately contacted, and the victim received medical attention. A thorough investigation was conducted, and forensic evidence linked the accused to the crime. He was arrested on July 21 2023, and later released on bail.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, praised Detective Warrant Officer Floris Fritz of the Carnarvon Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for his dedication to solving the case. She also commended the cooperation between SAPS investigators and Public Prosecutor Xolisa March.

Lieutenant General Otola urged community members to report sexual crimes and not protect offenders. "Break the silence and report these heinous crimes," she appealed.

The court sentenced the accused to 13 years' direct imprisonment.