The 32-year-old Elrico de Koker was sentenced after he raped a 12-year-old female victim in March of 2020 in Riemvasmaak, Postmasburg. Police spokesperson, Mashay Gamieldien, says the incident took place after De Koker, who is also the boyfriend of the victim's aunt, forced her to accompany him to collect water.

“The accused threatened her not to tell anyone and on 6 August 2020, after experiencing numerous nightmares, her mother became suspicious that something was wrong. The victim informed her that she was sexually assaulted by the accused when she slept over at her aunt's shack. The accused evaded the police and on 30 November 2020, two members of the Postmasburg Stock Theft unit received information that the accused was hiking on the road between Kuruman and Kathu. When the members approached him, he stabbed one of the members and was arrested,” Gamieldien says.

He was also charged for assault and resisting arrest. De Koker remained in custody until his sentencing. “His name was recorded on the National Sexual Offenders Register and he was declared unfit to possess a firearm,” says Gamieldien.

OFM News/Blaine Jones