In a statement, the Northern Cape spokesperson, Mashay Gamieldien, says the sentence of 100 years was handed down to the accused after Hartbees and an accomplice broke into the home of a 72-year-old female victim in Griekwastad, on 17 March 2017, where they robbed and raped her. Hartbees appeared in the Local High Court on 10 February. The sentences will run concurrently. In effect, he will have to serve 20 years in jail. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

His accomplice pleaded not guilty and will re-appear in the Kimberley High Court on 12 April 2021.

“The victim was alone at home at the time of the incident. The two broke down the door to gain entry into the house and assaulted the victim with a bottle and knife while demanding money from her. They dragged her into the bedroom where both the accused took turns raping her. 

"After raping her, they tied her hands and covered her mouth with tape and left the scene. The duo returned to the scene of the crime on 19 March 2017 and found the victim in the shower, dragged her into the bedroom and raped her for a second time. After raping her, they ransacked the house and fled but was apprehended by the police and arrested shortly afterwards,” says Gamieldien.

OFM News/Blaine Jones