Bergsig serial offender’s ‘reign of terror’ ends with 10-year sentence

A 27-YEAR-OLD accused who was notorious for committing crimes and terrorising the Bergsig community will spend 10 years behind bars after being sentenced for a series of violent and sexual offences.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the accused, Jake Bock, had amassed 12 previous convictions, including seven for housebreaking and theft, as well as drug-related offences.

“Bock’s reign of terror ended when he was arrested on March 9, 2023, and was denied bail while awaiting the outcome of his trial. He was convicted of rape, statutory rape and arson after pleading guilty and was sentenced in the Bergsig Regional Court on November 25,” said Senokoatsane.

He added that the offences were committed in 2022.

“In April 2022, Bock forced his former girlfriend to accompany him to his grandmother’s home, where he raped her at knifepoint. The court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. In November 2022, he admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl, despite repeated warnings from her mother. He also participated in a break-in at the Wielie Walie Pre-School, where equipment was stolen before the building was set alight, causing extensive damage.”

Senokoatsane said Bock was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for the rape of his girlfriend, three years’ imprisonment for the statutory rape of a 15-year-old minor, and seven years’ imprisonment for arson at the pre-school.

“The sentences for statutory rape and arson will run concurrently with the rape sentence, resulting in an effective sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment. Additionally, the court ordered that Bock’s name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. He was declared unsuitable to work with children and was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.”

He commended the complainants for their courage in reporting the crimes.

“The NPA acknowledges the profound trauma inflicted by repeat offenders and continues to prioritise cases involving gender-based violence, child protection, and community safety. This sentence reaffirms the justice system’s dedication to restoring dignity to victims and ensuring safer communities. Every successful prosecution is the result of rigorous investigative and prosecutorial work and reflects the NPA’s daily efforts nationwide,” said Senokoatsane.

The Upington Cluster chief prosecutor, Armando Damarah, stated that community terror and sexual violence would not be tolerated.