Murder of 55‑year‑old woman leads to 20‑year imprisonment for ex‑partner
A 61-year-old accused was sentenced to 20 years for the murder of his 51-year-old partner in Williston.
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THE Williston Regional Court sentenced Hans Van Wyk, 61, to an effective 20 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of his 55-year-old life partner, whom he repeatedly stabbed during an argument on December 23 2024.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said on the day of the incident, the deceased was visiting a friend when the accused arrived and asked two of her friends to accompany him to fetch her.
"They walked with him and found the deceased at another friend’s home. Van Wyk instructed her to return with him. While walking back, he became aggressive and continued arguing with her before pulling a knife from his pocket and stabbing her multiple times in the body and chest. Fearing for their safety, the deceased’s friends fled as the attack unfolded. The woman was declared dead at the scene."
He said Van Wyk was arrested shortly thereafter and later pleaded guilty.
"During sentencing proceedings, the defence argued for a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence.
"State Prosecutor Darryl Bromkamp argued that the family continued to grieve deeply and emphasised that the deceased did not deserve to die in such a cruel and violent manner. He highlighted the severity of the crime and the devastating impact on the victim’s loved ones."
He added that Van Wyk was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment, of which five years were suspended for five years, resulting in an effective 20 years’ direct imprisonment.
"The accused was further declared unfit to possess a firearm. The court found that substantial and compelling circumstances existed, but imposed a punishment reflecting the gravity of the offence."
Senokoatsane believed the sentence would act as a deterrent to potential offenders.
"The NPA reaffirms its commitment to pursuing justice for victims of gender-based and domestic violence. The tragic loss of life in this case underscores the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring that violence within intimate relationships is met with firm and decisive action."