Jogger stabbed, raped and robbed: North West man gets life behind bars - IOL
The criminal justice system is responsible for protecting vulnerable members of society, the Koster Regional Court said in sentencing a man to life imprisonment for rape and 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
A 49-year-old North West man who grabbed a woman from behind while she was jogging, stabbed her with a screwdriver and raped her before stealing her firearm and cellphone has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
Onpie Simons was sentenced by the Koster Regional Court to life imprisonment for rape and a further 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The sentences will run concurrently, while Simons was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
NPA North West spokesperson Lindiwe Mabasa said prosecutors argued that the seriousness of the attack warranted the prescribed minimum sentences.
“The court agreed with the State that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence,” Mabasa said.
Mabasa said evidence presented during the trial established that Simons approached the woman while she was out jogging and grabbed her from behind.
He stabbed her with a screwdriver before robbing her of her licensed firearm and cellphone.
“He then forced the victim to undress and raped her before fleeing the scene,” Mabasa said.
The woman reported the attack to police in Koster, prompting an investigation.
Police later received information that Simons had a firearm and obtained a search warrant for his home.
“Although the firearm was not recovered, police found a cellphone matching the description of the cellphone stolen from the victim,” Mabasa said.
Simons was subsequently charged with rape and robbery with aggravating circumstances. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.
The State had opposed his release on bail and he remained in custody throughout the trial.
Prosecutor Sangweni Zimema called several witnesses, including investigating officer Piet Olebogeng of Koster SAPS, during the case that secured Simons' conviction on both counts.
Mabasa said the State pushed for the prescribed minimum sentences during sentencing proceedings, citing “the gravity of the offences, the devastating impact on the victim, and the need to deter similar crimes”.
The court highlighted the seriousness of the crimes and the continuing scourge of gender-based violence and femicide.
It further stressed “the criminal justice system’s responsibility to protect vulnerable members of society and hold perpetrators accountable”.
North West Director of Public Prosecutions Dr Rachel Makhari welcomed the sentence and said the outcome demonstrated the consequences perpetrators of sexual violence could face.
“This sentence sends a strong message that perpetrators of sexual violent crimes will be held accountable,” Makhari said.
“The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring justice for victims and supporting the government’s efforts to eradicate GBVF.”
Mabasa said the NPA had also commended the joint work of prosecutors and law enforcement officers in securing the conviction and sentence.
“The organisation remains committed to prosecuting perpetrators of GBVF and ensuring that victims of crime receive justice through an effective and victim-centred criminal justice system,” she said.
