AN 18-YEAR-old Upington resident was sentenced to prison after being convicted of rape and assault GBH in a shocking case that sent shockwaves through the community of Leerkrantz.

The Upington Regional Court sentenced Ghys Titus following a harrowing ordeal in which he attacked two young boys, aged 10 and 11, in December 2022.

According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Omphile Masegela, the incident unfolded when a group of boys were sitting together near Leerkrantz on December 7, 2022. As Titus passed them, the boys reportedly made remarks towards him. Enraged, he retaliated by chasing after them, ultimately capturing two of the children.

What followed was an act of unimaginable cruelty. Titus assaulted the boys using a steel wire before forcing them to undress. He then proceeded to rape one of the boys, and as he attempted to assault the second victim, he was startled by the approach of an unknown person. Seizing the opportunity, the two boys managed to escape as Titus fled the scene.

A case of rape and assault was promptly opened, leading to a swift investigation by the Upington SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit. Titus was arrested and the diligent efforts of Sergeant Lebogang Mokwene ensured that the case moved swiftly through the legal system, culminating in the conviction of the accused.

During sentencing, the court handed down a 15-year prison term for rape, along with an additional 11 years - split between two counts of grievous bodily harm - for the assaults.

The ZF Mgcawu District police management welcomed the sentence and commended the investigative team for their tireless work in bringing justice to the victims, reaffirming the police’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society.

Community members have expressed their relief at the outcome, with many calling for continued vigilance to ensure the safety of children in the area. Authorities have urged anyone with information on crimes against children to come forward and report incidents immediately.