KIMBERLEY- The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Koliswa Otola applauds the three life sentences that were recently handed down to Jason Obakeng Witbooi (28) for raping three girls aged 11, 12 and 14 years old respectively in Kimberley. During school hours on 07 November 2016, the three victims decided leave the school premises and went to play in the veld next to their school in Kimberley. The girls were followed by the accused who threatened them and raped them, before fleeing the scene. The scene was fine combed and evidence was collected by the SAPS Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management unit which was sent for forensic testing. The suspect was positively identified through DNA linkages and arrested on 04 October 2020.
Police successfully opposed bail and Witbooi remained in custody up until he was handed down three life sentences for rape on 31 January 2023 in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court. “General Otola reiterated that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) is one of the priority crimes for the Northern Cape SAPS therefore lauds Warrant Officer Shaniel Antonie from Kimberley Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for her meticulous investigation that led to securing three life sentences. May this be a stern warning to criminals who intend committing similar crimes, that no impunity will be granted to perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide in the Northern Cape, Gen Otola said.”
Source: South African Police Service