In Pampierstad, a serial rapist, Hans Appie, received a life sentence for a spate of violent crimes.
Hans Appie: Notorious Pampierstad serial rapist gets life sentence
In a statement, police spokesperson Sergeant Molefi Shemane, on behalf of SAPS, expressed his approval of the life sentence handed by the Taung Regional Court to the 50-year-old.
On 17 October 2023, Appie was convicted on a litany of charges that included rape, attempted murder, and robbery.
Appie’s arrest came as a result of multiple rape reports in Pampierstad, where he allegedly preyed on children heading to school and women commuting to work during the early morning and late evening hours throughout 2013 and 2014.
His criminal activities extended to rape and robbery, with victims being deprived of money, clothing, and cell phones.
The linking of DNA evidence was pivotal, connecting Appie conclusively to the reported assault cases.
After his apprehension in 2013, the diligent work of the investigating officer, Sergeant Sidwell Dastile, ensured that bail was denied, leading to the trial at the Taung regional court.
On Thursday, 2 November 2023, the court imposed a stringent sentence, reflecting the severity of the crimes:
- Counts 1 and 2 (rape): Life imprisonment for each count.
- Counts 3 and 4 (Attempted Murder): 15 years’ imprisonment for each count.
- Counts 5 and 6 (Attempted Murder): 10 years’ imprisonment for each count.
- Counts 7 and 8 (Robbery): 15 years’ imprisonment for each count.
- Counts 9 and 10 (Robbery): 8 years’ imprisonment for each count.
The sentence also carried additional restrictions; Appie was declared unfit to possess a firearm, his name would be registered in the National Register for Sexual Offenders, and he would be prohibited from working with children.