Media statement issued by the office of The Provincial Commissioner Northern Cape

Media statement issued by the office of the Provincial Commissioner Northern Cape  All Media Willston Man sentenced to five years imprisonment for assaulting a child in Kimberley – 7 October 2025 The Acting District Commissioner of the South African Police Service in the Namakwa District, Colonel Diketso Lekgwathi, welcomed the five year prison sentence handed to 22-year-old Arnold Jonkers for assaulting a minor child in Williston. The Williston Magistrate’s Court heard that on Sunday, 19 March 2023, the three-year-old victim was walking home with her parents when they encountered two known individuals fighting near their residence. The victim’s father intervened to stop the altercation. After the fight had been broken up, the accused allegedly began throwing stones and bricks toward the family, striking the child on the head with a brick and seriously injuring her. She was rushed to a local medical facility for treatment. The incident was subsequently reported to the police, and the suspect was arrested and charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Detective Constable Anthony Willemse of the Calvinia Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit led the investigation. He successfully opposed bail for the accused, who made several court appearances before being convicted and sentenced. The court further declared Jonkers unfit to possess a firearm. The Namakwa District Management commended Constable Willemse for his thorough investigation and dedication to ensuring that violent crimes against children are effectively prosecuted and perpetrators held accountable.

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