Seven years’ imprisonment for ‘sjambok’-wielding boyfriend

A 28-year-old Hopetown man, Ricardo Badula, has been sentenced to seven years’ direct imprisonment for the brutal assault of his 21-year-old girlfriend, whom he attacked with a 'sjambok' while her 10-month-old baby was in the room.

Badula was convicted in the Regional Court on November 18 and 19 of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) for the June 25 attack.

According to evidence before the court, Badula arrived home at around 12.30am and began verbally abusing the victim while she was asleep with her child. He then fetched a 'sjambok' and assaulted her repeatedly.

The woman managed to flee to a neighbour’s house for help, but Badula followed her and continued the attack until police arrived. A case of assault GBH was opened, and Badula was arrested the same day.

Detective Constable Retshedisitswe Faniso of Hopetown Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit, was assigned to the case and successfully opposed all attempts by Badula to be granted bail. He was remanded in custody until his sentencing.

The District Commissioner of Pixley ka Seme, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, congratulated Detective Constable Faniso and Advocate Nicola van Niekerk of the National Prosecutions Authority for their work on the case.

"The sentence serves as a clear reminder to all men that the South African government has adopted a zero tolerance stance towards the abuse of women and children, especially during this time when the country is currently observing the 16 Days of Activism against the abuse of Women and Children," Mtukushe said.

For more information, contact Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe, Corporate Communication Northern Cape, on 082 494 9987.