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South Africa Judgment

Northern Cape High Court, Kimberley

Hendricks and Another v S (CA & R 14/2023) [2023] ZANCHC 70 (27 October 2023)

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Source document

01

Holding and result

The court found that the trial court had properly considered all relevant factors, including the personal circumstances of both appellants, the seriousness and brutality of the crime, and the time spent in incarceration prior to sentencing. The First Appellant's previous convictions, lack of genuine remorse, and role as instigator were weighed against his personal circumstances, but no substantial and compelling circumstances were found. The Second Appellant's prior conviction for murder and the circumstances of the rape did not justify deviation from the minimum sentence. The absence of a written victim impact report was not considered decisive, as the emotional trauma suffered by the complainant was evident from her testimony and common sense. The court held that the sentences imposed were not shocking, startling, or disturbingly inappropriate, and no material misdirection occurred. Accordingly, there was no basis for appellate interference.

Court disposition

Appeal dismissed; sentences of life imprisonment confirmed for both appellants.

Orders

  • The appeals of both the First and Second Appellants are dismissed.

02

Material facts

Parties

Dawid Hendricks

Appellant Counsel: H. Steynberg

Ricardo Arends

Appellant Counsel: S.S. Kambi

The State

Respondent Counsel: A. Stellenberg

Amounts and remedies

  • First Appellant Daily Earnings: ZAR 150

03

Procedural history

  1. Posture

    Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Sentence

04

Questions and positions

Legal issues

Party arguments

Applicant
The appellants argued that the trial court erred by not finding substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the minimum sentence of life imprisonment. They relied on their personal circumstances, including age, employment, previous convictions, and time spent in incarceration prior to sentencing. The First Appellant pleaded guilty during the trial, and it was submitted that this should be considered as a mitigating factor. The Second Appellant's counsel argued that the absence of a victim impact report and the lack of serious bodily injuries to the complainant should be considered as compelling circumstances.
Respondent
The respondent, represented by Adv. Stellenberg, contended that the trial court did not commit any material misdirection and that the seriousness and brutality of the crime warranted the prescribed minimum sentence. She relied on case law, including S v Vilakazi, to argue that in serious crimes, personal circumstances of the accused recede into the background. The respondent emphasized the impact of the crime on the victim and the need for courts to implement minimum sentences unless truly convincing reasons exist for departure.

05

Court’s reasoning

  1. 01

    Criminal Law Amendment Act, Act 105 of 1997, Section 51(1)

    A trial court may only deviate from prescribed minimum sentences if substantial and compelling circumstances exist.

  2. 02

    Malgas v S [2001] 3 All SA 220 (A)

    Appellate courts may interfere with sentences only if there is a material misdirection or if the sentence is so inappropriate as to be shocking, startling, or disturbingly inappropriate.

  3. 03

    S v Matyityi [2011] 2 All SA 424 (SCA)

    Courts must show deference to the legislature's prescribed minimum sentences and may only depart for truly convincing reasons.

  4. 04

    S v Vilakazi 2009 (1) SACR 525 (SCA)

    In serious crimes, the personal circumstances of the accused recede into the background when considering substantial and compelling circumstances.

  5. 05

    S v Matyityi [2011] 2 All SA 424 (SCA); Ntepe v S [2016] ZAFSHC 52

    The impact of the crime on the victim should be considered, but evidence under oath may suffice in the absence of a written victim impact report.

06

Ratio, limits and disposition

Ratio decidendi

The court found that the trial court had properly considered all relevant factors, including the personal circumstances of both appellants, the seriousness and brutality of the crime, and the time spent in incarceration prior to sentencing. The First Appellant's previous convictions, lack of genuine remorse, and role as instigator were weighed against his personal circumstances, but no substantial and compelling circumstances were found. The Second Appellant's prior conviction for murder and the circumstances of the rape did not justify deviation from the minimum sentence. The absence of a written victim impact report was not considered decisive, as the emotional trauma suffered by the complainant was evident from her testimony and common sense. The court held that the sentences imposed were not shocking, startling, or disturbingly inappropriate, and no material misdirection occurred. Accordingly, there was no basis for appellate interference.

Obiter and limits

  • The court noted that rape is one of the most heinous crimes and highlighted the government's efforts to protect women and children.
  • It was observed that common sense dictates the trauma suffered by rape victims could not be trifling, even in the absence of a formal victim impact report.
  • The court emphasized that sentencing courts should not deviate from minimum sentences for vague or ill-defined reasons such as relative youthfulness.

Court disposition

Appeal dismissed; sentences of life imprisonment confirmed for both appellants.

  • The appeals of both the First and Second Appellants are dismissed.

Source and reliance status

Northern Cape High Court, Kimberley

This page organises the available record for research. Confirm quotations, current status, and subsequent treatment against the official source before relying on the case.

Judgment reading view

Judgment text

The complete available source text.

Source document

Northern Cape High Court, Kimberley

Judgment

[2023] ZANCHC 70

IN THE HIGH COURT OF

SOUTH AFRICA

NORTHERN CAPE DIVISION, KIMBERLEY

Case No:

CA & R 14/2023

Heard on:

02 October 2023

Delivered on:

27 October 2023

Reportable: YES / NO

Circulate to Judges: YES / NO

Circulate to Magistrates: YES / NO

Circulate to Regional Magistrates: YES / NO

In the matter between:

DAWID

HENDRICKS

FIRST APPELLANT

RICARDO

ARENDS

SECOND APPELLANT

THE

STATE

RESPONDENT

Coram:Mamosebo, JetOlivier, AJ

Mamosebo, J

Olivier, AJ

JUDGMENT

1.The Appellants approach this Court with an appeal against sentences of life imprisonment that were imposed on them on 04 February 2020 by Regional Magistrate A. Venter in the Regional Court De Aar, Northern Cape Province (hereinafter “the Courta quo”), after having acquired the necessary leave to do so.

The Appellants approach this Court with an appeal against sentences of life imprisonment that were imposed on them on 04 February 2020 by Regional Magistrate A. Venter in the Regional Court De Aar, Northern Cape Province (hereinafter “the Court

”), after having acquired the necessary leave to do so.

2.It is common cause that both the Appellants were found guilty and convicted on a count of rape[1]and it appears to be common cause that the complainant was in fact raped by five male persons, two of which were the First and Second Appellants.

It is common cause that both the Appellants were found guilty and convicted on a count of rape[1]and it appears to be common cause that the complainant was in fact raped by five male persons, two of which were the First and Second Appellants.

3.The parties’ legal representatives weread idemabout the fact that the crime of which the Appellants were accused and on which they were eventually convicted and sentenced, carried

the minimum sentence of life imprisonment.[2]

The parties’ legal representatives were

ad idem

about the fact that the crime of which the Appellants were accused and on which they were eventually convicted and sentenced, carried

the minimum sentence of life imprisonment.[2]

4.Both the Appellants’ appeals were essentially based on the fact that the Courta quomisdirected itself in that the said Courta quodid not find that substantial and compelling circumstances existed to deviate from the aforesaid prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

Both the Appellants’ appeals were essentially based on the fact that the Court

a quo

misdirected itself in that the said Court

did not find that substantial and compelling circumstances existed to deviate from the aforesaid prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

It should be mentioned, for the sake of completeness, that the record of the proceedings in the Courta quowas found to be incomplete, but that both the representatives appearing for the Appellants as well as the representative for the State had agreed that the parts of the record that did in fact come to hand, were sufficiently complete for the appeal to proceed.

5.I deem it prudent to firstly mention the personal circumstances of the Appellants as at date of sentencing and it is confirmed from the record of the proceedings in the Courta quothat the First Appellant was 39 (thirty-nine) years old at the time of the incident and that he was not married but had two minor children, one of whom was still at school.

I deem it prudent to firstly mention the personal circumstances of the Appellants as at date of sentencing and it is confirmed from the record of the proceedings in the Court

that the First Appellant was 39 (thirty-nine) years old at the time of the incident and that he was not married but had two minor children, one of whom was still at school.

It appears that the First Appellant was, however, not the primary caregiver in respect of these minor children as they resided with the First Appellant’s mother.

The First Appellant’s highest level of education is Grade 12 and he was employed at the time of his sentencing, earning an amount of R150.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Rand) per day.

The State proved during the trial (and this was admitted to by the First Appellant) that he had seven previous convictions, the last four of which had elements of violence.

6.The Second Appellant was 22 (twenty-two) years of age at the time of his sentencing, had a Grade 10 qualification, was not married and had no children and/or dependants.

The Second Appellant was 22 (twenty-two) years of age at the time of his sentencing, had a Grade 10 qualification, was not married and had no children and/or dependants.

The Second Appellant was employed at the time of his arrest and he was and had remained incarcerated from the time of his arrest pending the finalization of the matter in the Courta quo.

At the time of sentencing, the Second Appellant had only one previous conviction[3], but it appears from the record of the proceedings in the Courta quothat at the time of sentencing, he had also been found guilty on a charge of murder for which he was sentenced to ten years’

imprisonment.

At the time of sentencing, the Second Appellant had only one previous conviction[3], but it appears from the record of the proceedings in the Court

that at the time of sentencing, he had also been found guilty on a charge of murder for which he was sentenced to ten years’

imprisonment.

It should be stated that the Second Appellant apparently committed the crime of murder approximately two months prior to committing the rape which forms the subject of this appeal.

7.Ms. Stellenberg, who appeared on behalf of the Respondent in this appeal, relied onS v Vilakazi[4], pointing out that when the question is considered as to whether substantial and compelling circumstances for deviation from a

prescribed minimum sentence did in fact exist, the Court of appeal should, in cases of serious crimes, deem an Appellant’s

personal circumstances to effectively recede into the background.[5]

Ms. Stellenberg, who appeared on behalf of the Respondent in this appeal, relied on

S v Vilakazi

[4], pointing out that when the question is considered as to whether substantial and compelling circumstances for deviation from a

prescribed minimum sentence did in fact exist, the Court of appeal should, in cases of serious crimes, deem an Appellant’s

personal circumstances to effectively recede into the background.[5]

7.1 It does however appear from the record of the proceedings that the Appellants’ personal circumstances were considered by the learned Regional Magistrate before sentencing.

8.The crime of rape, as has been found and described in various past matters, is perhaps one of the most heinous crimes to be committed

against another person[6]and the seriousness of this crime is in my view underlined by the attempts by the South African Government to highlight the protection

of the rights of especially women and children in this country.

The crime of rape, as has been found and described in various past matters, is perhaps one of the most heinous crimes to be committed

against another person[6]and the seriousness of this crime is in my view underlined by the attempts by the South African Government to highlight the protection

of the rights of especially women and children in this country.

Khampepe J correctly pointed out that the crime of rape “…is an inescapable and seemingly ever present reality and scourge on the nation …”[7]

Khampepe J correctly pointed out that the crime of rape “…

is an inescapable and seemingly ever present reality and scourge on the nation …

9.There is therefore little doubt in my mind that the learned Regional Magistrate was correct in her findings that the crime of which the Appellants were found guilty is serious and it should be mentioned that the seriousness of the crime to which the complainant in this instance was subjected, was, in any event, not denied by the legal representatives who appeared on behalf of the Appellants.

There is therefore little doubt in my mind that the learned Regional Magistrate was correct in her findings that the crime of which the Appellants were found guilty is serious and it should be mentioned that the seriousness of the crime to which the complainant in this instance was subjected, was, in any event, not denied by the legal representatives who appeared on behalf of the Appellants.

10.It is trite that, in order for a trial Court to deviate from the minimum sentences prescribed in terms of the Criminal Law Amendment Act[8](hereinafter referred to as “the CLAA”) and to impose a lesser sentence than the minimum sentences so prescribed, the said Court must be satisfied that substantial and compelling circumstances exist that justifies such a deviation.[9]

It is trite that, in order for a trial Court to deviate from the minimum sentences prescribed in terms of the Criminal Law Amendment Act[8](hereinafter referred to as “

the

CLAA

”) and to impose a lesser sentence than the minimum sentences so prescribed, the said Court must be satisfied that substantial and compelling circumstances exist that justifies such a deviation.[9]

The question therefore to be answered by this Court is whether compelling and substantive circumstances did in fact exist that should have persuaded the learned Regional Magistrate to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.

11.The aforesaid question should of course be considered against the backdrop of the view of the Supreme Court of Appeal in the matter ofMalgas v S[10]where it was held:

The aforesaid question should of course be considered against the backdrop of the view of the Supreme Court of Appeal in the matter of

Malgas v S

[10]where it was held:

“…a trial court will consider the particular circumstances of the case in the light of the well-known triad of factors relevant to sentence and impose what it considers a just and appropriate sentence. A court exercising appellate jurisdiction cannot,in the absence of material misdirection by the trial court, approach the question of sentence as if it were the trial court and then substitute the sentence arrived at by it simply because it prefers it. To do so would be to usurp the sentencing discretion of the trial court. When material misdirection by the trial court vitiates its exercise of that discretion, an appellate court is of course entitled to consider the question of sentence afresh … in the absence of material misdirection, an appellate court may yet be justified in interfering with the sentence imposed by the trial court. It may do so when thedisparity between the sentence of the trial court and the sentence which the appellate court would have imposed had it been the trial court is so marked that it can properly be described as ‘shocking’, ‘startling’ or ‘disturbingly inappropriate’.”[11](My emphasis and omissions)

a trial court will consider the particular circumstances of the case in the light of the well-known triad of factors relevant to sentence and impose what it considers a just and appropriate sentence. A court exercising appellate jurisdiction cannot,

in the absence of material misdirection by the trial court

, approach the question of sentence as if it were the trial court and then substitute the sentence arrived at by it simply because it prefers it. To do so would be to usurp the sentencing discretion of the trial court. When material misdirection by the trial court vitiates its exercise of that discretion, an appellate court is of course entitled to consider the question of sentence afresh … in the absence of material misdirection, an appellate court may yet be justified in interfering with the sentence imposed by the trial court. It may do so when the

disparity between the sentence of the trial court and the sentence which the appellate court would have imposed had it been the trial court is so marked that it can properly be described as ‘shocking’, ‘startling’ or ‘disturbingly inappropriate’

”[11](My emphasis and omissions)

12.This Court therefore, and if I understand the judgment inMalgascorrectly, needs to determine whether the Courta quohad committed a material misdirection when sentencing the Appellants to life imprisonment, alternatively whether the sentence of life imprisonment, in the circumstances, was shocking, startling or disturbingly inappropriate.

This Court therefore, and if I understand the judgment in

Malgas

correctly, needs to determine whether the Court

had committed a material misdirection when sentencing the Appellants to life imprisonment, alternatively whether the sentence of life imprisonment, in the circumstances, was shocking, startling or disturbingly inappropriate.

13.In the matter ofS v Matyityi[12]to which this Court was referred by both Mr Kambi on behalf of the Second Appellant and Ms. Stellenberg on behalf of the Respondent, it was held by the Supreme Court of Appeal as follows:

In the matter of

S v Matyityi

[12]to which this Court was referred by both Mr Kambi on behalf of the Second Appellant and Ms. Stellenberg on behalf of the Respondent, it was held by the Supreme Court of Appeal as follows:

“…one notices all too frequently a willingness on the part of sentencing courts to deviate from the minimum sentences prescribed by the Legislature for the flimsiest of reasons … courts have a duty, despite any personal doubts about the efficacy of the policy or personal aversion to it, to implement those sentences. Our courts derive their power from the Constitution and like other arms of state owe their fealty to it. Our constitutional order can hardly survive if courts fail to properly patrol the boundaries of their own power by showing due deference to the legitimate domains of power of the other arms of state. Here parliament has spoken. It has ordained minimum sentences for certain specified offences. Courts are obliged to impose those sentences unless there are truly convincing reasons for departing from them. Courts are not free to subvert the will of the legislature by resort to vague, ill-defined concepts such as ‘relative youthfulness’ or other equally vague and ill-founded hypothesis that appear to fit the particular sentencing officer’s personal notion of fairness.”[13](My omissions)

one notices all too frequently a willingness on the part of sentencing courts to deviate from the minimum sentences prescribed by the Legislature for the flimsiest of reasons … courts have a duty, despite any personal doubts about the efficacy of the policy or personal aversion to it, to implement those sentences. Our courts derive their power from the Constitution and like other arms of state owe their fealty to it. Our constitutional order can hardly survive if courts fail to properly patrol the boundaries of their own power by showing due deference to the legitimate domains of power of the other arms of state. Here parliament has spoken. It has ordained minimum sentences for certain specified offences. Courts are obliged to impose those sentences unless there are truly convincing reasons for departing from them. Courts are not free to subvert the will of the legislature by resort to vague, ill-defined concepts such as ‘relative youthfulness’ or other equally vague and ill-founded hypothesis that appear to fit the particular sentencing officer’s personal notion of fairness.”

[13](My omissions)

14.Ms. Stellenberg,unsurprisingly, argued that the learned Regional Magistrate in this instance did not commit a material misdirection when sentencing the Appellants to life imprisonment, emphasizing the brutality of this particular crime and the impact that it had had on the victim.

Ms. Stellenberg

unsurprisingly, argued that the learned Regional Magistrate in this instance did not commit a material misdirection when sentencing the Appellants to life imprisonment, emphasizing the brutality of this particular crime and the impact that it had had on the victim.

15.Mr Steynberg, on behalf of the First Appellant and to his credit, conceded that:

Mr Steynberg, on behalf of the First Appellant and to his credit, conceded that:

15.1 the seriousness of the crime on which the Appellants were convicted was exacerbated by the fact that the rape in effect constituted a so-called gang-rape;

15.2 there were no mitigating factors to be found in the facts of the matter and specifically so if cognizance is taken of the fact that:

15.2.1 the complainant was under the influence of alcohol; and

15.2.2 the complainant was small in stature and in actual fact defenseless against five men; and

15.3 the First Appellant’s previous convictions did not do him any favours.

I have to agree with Mr Steynberg on the above.

16.Mr Steynberg however implored this Court to find substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the minimum sentence of life imprisonment in the First Appellant’s personal circumstances and in the fact that he had pleaded guilty to the offence during the course of the hearing of the matter.

Mr Steynberg however implored this Court to find substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the minimum sentence of life imprisonment in the First Appellant’s personal circumstances and in the fact that he had pleaded guilty to the offence during the course of the hearing of the matter.

Mr Steynberg, again to his credit and responsibly so, was however quick to point out that the fact that the First Appellant had initially pleaded not guilty to the crime with which he was charged and then having changed his mind during the course of the trial, effectively renders moot any argument as to possible genuine remorse shown by the First Appellant.

17.It appears from the relevant parts of the record of the proceedings in the Courta quo, that the learned Regional Magistrate did in fact consider all of the required and relevant factors before sentencing the First Appellant and I could find no misdirection from the Courta quoon the imposition of a sentence of life imprisonment in respect of the First Appellant.

It appears from the relevant parts of the record of the proceedings in the Court

, that the learned Regional Magistrate did in fact consider all of the required and relevant factors before sentencing the First Appellant and I could find no misdirection from the Court

on the imposition of a sentence of life imprisonment in respect of the First Appellant.

Given the First Appellant’s record, the circumstances under which the crime was committed, the fact that he was the apparent instigator of the crime and the lack of remorse shown from his side, I also do not deem the sentence as shocking, startling or disturbingly inappropriate and there is, in my view, no reason for this Court to interfere with the sentence imposed on the First Appellant by the Court a quo.

18.Mr Kambi were at pains to convince this Court that substantive and compelling circumstances to deviate from the minimum sentence imposed on the Second Appellant are to be found in that:

Mr Kambi were at pains to convince this Court that substantive and compelling circumstances to deviate from the minimum sentence imposed on the Second Appellant are to be found in that:

18.1 the Second Appellant had already been incarcerated for a period of two years and three months when the life sentence was imposed;

18.2 the complainant did not, based on the physical evidence presented during trial, suffer any serious bodily injuries[14]; and

18.3 the Courta quodid not consider any victim impact report prior to sentencing the Second Appellant.

19.In respect of the first issue raised by Mr Kambi, this Court was referred to the matter ofS v Vilakazi[15]where the learned Nugent JA (as he was then) in essence remarked that it would be unjust if “time served” is not considered when sentencing an accused, as well as to the matter ofNtepe v S[16]where the Free State High Court through the pen of the learned Mocumie J held that the fact that the Appellant in that instance was incarcerated for a year and a half without trial, contributed to the finding that substantial and compelling circumstances did exist to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.[17]

In respect of the first issue raised by Mr Kambi, this Court was referred to the matter of

[15]where the learned Nugent JA (as he was then) in essence remarked that it would be unjust if “

time served

” is not considered when sentencing an accused, as well as to the matter of

Ntepe v S

[16]where the Free State High Court through the pen of the learned Mocumie J held that the fact that the Appellant in that instance was incarcerated for a year and a half without trial, contributed to the finding that substantial and compelling circumstances did exist to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.[17]

It is however significant to note that the Appellant in theNtepematter was a first offender and that he had pleaded guilty to the crime with which he was charged, which, in my view, differs from the matter at hand where the Second Appellant did not plead guilty initially[18]and definitely did not have a squeaky clean record at the time of sentencing.

It is however significant to note that the Appellant in the

matter was a first offender and that he had pleaded guilty to the crime with which he was charged, which, in my view, differs from the matter at hand where the Second Appellant did not plead guilty initially[18]and definitely did not have a squeaky clean record at the time of sentencing.

20.It appears from the record of the proceedings in the Courta quothat the learned Regional Magistrate did in fact consider the time that the Second Appellant had spent in incarceration, but nonetheless

found there to be no substantive and compelling reason to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.

It appears from the record of the proceedings in the Court

that the learned Regional Magistrate did in fact consider the time that the Second Appellant had spent in incarceration, but nonetheless

found there to be no substantive and compelling reason to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.

I have to agree with the learned Regional Magistrate in this regard, specifically in view of the seriousness and brutality of the crime, the fact that the Second Appellant initially pleaded guilty only to make certain admissions later during the trial and the fact that the Second Appellant had committed a serious crime only two months prior to the rape.

It should be mentioned, for the sake of completeness, that the learned Regional Magistrate did give consideration to the fact that the Second Appellant was serving a ten year sentence for murder and that she had ordered the murder sentence to run concurrent with the life sentence for the rape.

21.Mr Kambi furthermore argued that the fact that the Courta quodid not consider a victim impact report prior to sentencing the Appellants, serves as a substantive and compelling reason for this

Court to intervene in the sentence passed by the Courta quo.

Mr Kambi furthermore argued that the fact that the Court

did not consider a victim impact report prior to sentencing the Appellants, serves as a substantive and compelling reason for this

Court to intervene in the sentence passed by the Court

22.In this regard this Court wasinter aliareferred to the matter ofMatyityiwhere the Court held that it is “…important that information pertaining to not just the objective gravity of the offence but also the impact of the crime on the victim be placed before the court.”[19]

In this regard this Court was

inter alia

referred to the matter of

Matyityi

where the Court held that it is “…

important that information pertaining to not just the objective gravity of the offence but also the impact of the crime on the victim be placed before the court.

It should be mentioned that upon a proper reading of the above quotation fromMatyityiand despite the remark made in the matter ofNtepein respect of the submission of a Victim Impact Report[20], I did not form the opinion that a physical written report on the impact of the crime on the complainant was the be-all and end-all of the matter.

It should be mentioned that upon a proper reading of the above quotation from

and despite the remark made in the matter of

in respect of the submission of a Victim Impact Report[20], I did not form the opinion that a physical written report on the impact of the crime on the complainant was the be-all and end-all of the matter.

I formed the view that evidence in this regard under oath should suffice.[21]

23.Even if I am wrong in my above assessment, it should be mentioned that the Supreme Court of Appeal has, in a more recent decision and in a matter also concerning rape, remarked that “…common sense dictates that [the trauma] could not have been trifling.”[22]

Even if I am wrong in my above assessment, it should be mentioned that the Supreme Court of Appeal has, in a more recent decision and in a matter also concerning rape, remarked that “…

common sense dictates that [the trauma] could not have been trifling.

24.It appears from the record of the proceedings in the Courta quothat the learned Regional Magistrate did in fact consider the obvious emotional trauma that the complainant went through especially when presenting her evidence and I am of the view that common sense would also in this instance dictate, given the circumstances under which the crime was committed, that the complainant’s trauma would not be trifling.

that the learned Regional Magistrate did in fact consider the obvious emotional trauma that the complainant went through especially when presenting her evidence and I am of the view that common sense would also in this instance dictate, given the circumstances under which the crime was committed, that the complainant’s trauma would not be trifling.

25.In view of the above, I also do not deem the sentence in as far as the Second Appellant is concerned as shocking, startling or disturbingly inappropriate.

In view of the above, I also do not deem the sentence in as far as the Second Appellant is concerned as shocking, startling or disturbingly inappropriate.

I could also not find any indication that the learned Regional Magistrate had misdirected herself in this regard and there is, in my view, no reason for this Court to interfere with the sentence imposed on the Second Appellant by the Courta quo.

ORDER:

26.In view of the above, I make the following order:

In view of the above, I make the following order:

The appeals of both the First and Second Appellants are dismissed.

OLIVIER AJ

ACTING JUDGE OF THE

HIGH COURT

NORTHERN CAPE DIVISION

I concur.

MAMOSEBO J

JUDGE OF THE HIGH

COURT

On Behalf of the First Appellant:Mr H. SteynbergOn instruction of:Legal Aid South AfricaKIMBERLEYOn behalf of the Second Appellant:Mr S.S. KambiOn instruction of:Kambi AttorneysBLOEMFONTEINc/o Legal Aid South AfricaKIMBERLEYOn behalf of the Respondent:Adv. A. StellenbergOn instruction of:The

NDPPKIMBERLEY

On Behalf of the First Appellant:Mr H. Steynberg

On Behalf of the First Appellant:

Mr H. Steynberg

On instruction of:Legal Aid South Africa

On instruction of:

Legal Aid South Africa

KIMBERLEY

On behalf of the Second Appellant:Mr S.S. Kambi

On behalf of the Second Appellant:

Mr S.S. Kambi

On instruction of:Kambi Attorneys

Kambi Attorneys

BLOEMFONTEIN

c/o Legal Aid South Africa

On behalf of the Respondent:Adv. A. Stellenberg

On behalf of the Respondent:

Adv. A. Stellenberg

On instruction of:The

NDPP

The

NDPP

[1]Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, Act 32 of 2007,Section 3.

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, Act 32 of 2007,

Section 3

[2]SeeSection 51(1)of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, Act 105 of 1997 read with Part 1 of Schedule 2 to said Act.

Section 51(1)

of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, Act 105 of 1997 read with Part 1 of Schedule 2 to said Act.

[3]It appeared to be stock theft.

It appeared to be stock theft.

[4]2009 (1) SACR 525(SCA).

2009 (1) SACR 525(SCA).

2009 (1) SACR 525

[5]Vilakazi,supraat paragraph [58].

Vilakazi

at paragraph [58].

[6]Seeinter aliathe matter ofChapman v S[1997] ZASCA 45;[1997] 3 All SA 277(A) wherethe crime of rape was described on page 279 of the judgment as “…a humiliating, degrading and brutal invasion of the privacy, the dignity and the person of the victim.” Also seeS v Ndlovu2017 (2) SACR 305(CC) at paragraph [53].

[6]Seeinter aliathe matter ofChapman v S[1997] ZASCA 45;[1997] 3 All SA 277(A) where

inter alia

the matter of

Chapman v S

[1997] ZASCA 45;[1997] 3 All SA 277(A) where

[1997] ZASCA 45

[1997] 3 All SA 277

the crime of rape was described on page 279 of the judgment as “…a humiliating, degrading and brutal invasion of the privacy, the dignity and the person of the victim.” Also seeS v Ndlovu2017 (2) SACR 305(CC) at paragraph [53].

a humiliating, degrading and brutal invasion of the privacy, the dignity and the person of the victim.

S v Ndlovu

2017 (2) SACR 305

[7]Ndlovu,supra.

Ndlovu

[8]See footnote 2supra.

See footnote 2

[9]Section 3(a)of the CLAA.

Section 3(a)

of the CLAA.

[10][2001] 3 All SA 220 (A).

[2001] 3 All SA 220 (A).

[11]SeeMalgas,supraat paragraph [21].

at paragraph [21].

[12][2011] 2 All SA 424 (SCA).

[2011] 2 All SA 424 (SCA).

[13]Matyityi,supraat paragraph [23].

at paragraph [23].

[14]It should be noted that any serious argument of this point was wisely abandoned by Mr Kambi.

It should be noted that any serious argument of this point was wisely abandoned by Mr Kambi.

[15]Supraat paragraph [60].

at paragraph [60].

[16][2016] ZAFSHC 52(SAFLII Reference).

[2016] ZAFSHC 52(SAFLII Reference).

[2016] ZAFSHC 52

[17]SeeNtepe,supraat paragraph [9].

at paragraph [9].

[18]The Second Appellant apparently also changed his plea during the course of the trial.

The Second Appellant apparently also changed his plea during the course of the trial.

[19]SeeMatyityi,supraat paragraph [17].

at paragraph [17].

[20]Supraat paragraph [8].

at paragraph [8].

[21]SeeVilakazi,supraat paragraphs [57] and [58].

at paragraphs [57] and [58].

[22]S v Ngcobo2018 (1) SACR 479(SCA).

S v Ngcobo

2018 (1) SACR 479(SCA).

2018 (1) SACR 479

Source wording is retained. Consult the source document for its original formatting and pagination.

Authorities

Authorities used by the court

Cases, legislation, regulations, and constitutional provisions identified in the available record.

S v Vilakazi 2009 (1) SACR 525 (SCA)

Case cited

Malgas v S [2001] 3 All SA 220 (A)

Case cited

S v Matyityi [2011] 2 All SA 424 (SCA)

Case cited

Chapman v S [1997] ZASCA 45; [1997] 3 All SA 277 (A)

Case cited

S v Ndlovu 2017 (2) SACR 305 (CC)

Case cited

Ntepe v S [2016] ZAFSHC 52

Case cited

S v Ngcobo 2018 (1) SACR 479 (SCA)

Case cited

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, Act 32 of 2007, Section 3

Legislation

Legislation referenced in the available case record.

Criminal Law Amendment Act, Act 105 of 1997, Section 51(1)

Legislation

Legislation referenced in the available case record.

Criminal Law Amendment Act, Act 105 of 1997, Part 1 of Schedule 2

Legislation

Legislation referenced in the available case record.

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