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| Patrick Ntiwane was convicted of attempted murder and handed down a 20-year sentence by the Mhala Regional Court. Photo: Supplied/SAPS |
A Bushbuckridge man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for a horrific attack in which he severed a woman's hand with a panga and threatened to kill her. The Mhala Regional Court handed down the sentence to Patrick Ntiwane (46) on Monday, a decision welcomed by acting provincial police commissioner Major General Dr. Zepth Mkhwanazi as a powerful deterrent against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
The brutal attack, which occurred on September 16, 2023, has left the victim permanently maimed. According to reports from Lowvelder, the woman encountered Ntiwane shortly after being dropped off by a taxi. Without warning, Ntiwane, armed with a panga, grabbed her and launched a vicious assault. He proceeded to stab her, with one blow tragically severing her hand. He then fled the scene, leaving the injured woman to fend for herself.
Despite the severity of her injuries, the victim survived the attack. However, she now faces the life-altering consequences of Ntiwane's violent actions.
The 20-year sentence handed down by the Mhala Regional Court sends a clear message that such acts of violence will not be tolerated. Major General Dr. Zepth Mkhwanazi emphasized the importance of the sentence in deterring future perpetrators of GBVF, a scourge that continues to plague South African society.
This case highlights the devastating impact of gender-based violence and the urgent need for continued efforts to combat it. The victim's resilience in the face of such a brutal attack serves as a stark reminder of the strength of survivors and the need for justice. The lengthy sentence reflects the severity of the crime and the commitment of the justice system to holding perpetrators accountable.