NORTHERN CAPE – A 30-year-old Jan Kempdorp man has been sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment for a brutal domestic violence assault involving a panga, marking a significant step toward accountability and justice for victims of gender-based violence in the region. Andile “Ngonyoko” Mesark appeared in the Warrenton Regional Court, where the sentence was formally handed down for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
The court heard that the attack occurred on 25 July 2024, at approximately 23:00, at Mesark’s residence on Mapheka Street in the Valspan Location of Jan Kempdorp. According to the testimony of the 33-year-old victim, an argument erupted after Mesark stepped outside to answer a telephone call. During the altercation, he threw his cellphone at her before retrieving a panga. He proceeded to strike the victim in the face and stomach, then dragged her into the yard where the assault continued.
Following the incident, the victim reported the attack to the Jan Kempdorp Police Station. Detective Sergeant Andrew Ntlati of the Hartswater Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit was assigned to the case. His diligent investigative work led to Mesark’s arrest on 3 September 2024. The accused did not apply for bail and remained in custody throughout the legal proceedings.
While the assault case was pending, Mesark was separately convicted and sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment for armed robbery. On Thursday, 20 August 2026, the Warrenton Regional Court found him guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. On Thursday, 3 September 2026, he received a ten-year prison sentence for this conviction. The court ordered that two years of this new sentence run concurrently with his existing seven-year term for armed robbery, resulting in an effective eight years’ imprisonment to be served for the assault GBH conviction. Additionally, the court officially declared Mesark unfit to possess a firearm.
Major General Gabathata Makgari, District Commissioner of the Frances Baard District, welcomed the sentencing outcome. He emphasized that combating domestic violence remains a key strategic priority for the South African Police Service (SAPS) and commended Detective Sergeant Andrew Ntlati for his professional and diligent investigative efforts in ensuring justice for the victim.
