The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the heavy sentence handed down to Johannes De Jager this morning at the Western Cape High Court. De Jager was sentenced to four life terms, six years and three months imprisonments that are to run concurrently. He will serve a life imprisonment.
He was convicted on seven counts including two rapes, two murders, theft of a cellular phone of the deceased and two charges of dismembering a body.
Today’s sentence is the only justifiable and fitting sentence to the brutal crimes that were committed against Hiltina Alexander and Charmaine Mare. As the National Prosecuting Authority, we hope this heavy sentence will serve as a deterrent to other would be abusers and murderers of young women. This is another clear indicator that we will continue to prioritise cases involving the abuse of women and children.
We will continue to prosecute without fear or favour or prejudice and ensure justice for the victims of crime especially against women and children. This sentence sends out a very clear message that our courts will not tolerate the abuse and murders of women and those who engaged in such activities will pay dearly for their actions. We will continue to play our part to ensure that we root out this scourge from our communities.
Rape and murder of women are on the increase in South Africa. De Jager had no regard for the bodies of these young women. They were defenceless and vulnerable. He has never shown any remorse and has never provided any explanation as to why he ended the lives of two young lives.
This judgement reaffirms our commitment to the war that we have declared against all perpetrators of violence against the vulnerable groups. We trust that it will send a clear message to all potential offenders that IF YOU DO CRIME, NPA WILL ENSURE THAT YOU DO TIME.
Enquiries:
Nathi Mncube
NPA Spokesperson
Cell: 084 814 8364
E-mail: media@npa.gov.za
