Northern Cape man convicted of raping a teenager and strangling her with his shoelaces

The Upington High Court recently sentenced a 26-year-old man to 25 years in prison for rape and 25 years for the murder of a teenager. The sentences run simultaneously.

THE UPINGTON Supreme Court recently sentenced 26-year-old Garshwin van Rooyen to 25 years in prison for rape and 25 years for the murder of 19-year-old Verona Paulus. The sentences run simultaneously.

According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Captain Nelis Prins, the incident took place on June 9, 2023. Paulus was walking with Van Rooyen in the field at Lennertsville in Keimoes when he raped her and then strangled her with the shoelaces of his sneakers.

After thorough investigation, Warrant Officer William Mouers and Sergeant Heinrich Titus, of the Keimoes detectives, arrested Van Rooyen. The prosecution team, led by senior attorney Jaques Rosenberg, secured the significant sentence handed down on October 29, 2024, which will see Van Rooyen spend 25 years behind bars.

The Acting District Commissioner of ZF Mgcawu District, Brigadier General Peet Coetzee, commended the investigating officers for their meticulous and dedicated work that resulted in the arrest and conviction.

He assured the community that the SAPS will continue to strengthen efforts to combat crimes against women and children, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice for their actions.