Northern Cape: Griekwastad man bags 22 years imprisonment for raping 21-year-old lady
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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has secured another significant victory in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), with the Griekwastad Regional Court handing down a 22-year direct imprisonment sentence to Ricardo Pyl, also known as Booitjie Langman, for rape.
The sentencing, delivered on 10 July 2025, follows a violent incident that took place in the early hours of 1 March 2024. The 33-year-old accused attacked a 21-year-old woman who was socialising at a neighbour’s home in Griekwastad. When the neighbour left, Pyl threatened the victim with a knife and proceeded to rape her inside the premises.
The victim managed to escape hours later and raised the alarm. The suspect fled the scene with her cellphone. SAPS detectives in Griekwastad acted swiftly, arresting Pyl the next day and recovering the stolen cellphone in his possession. He was denied bail and remained in custody throughout the trial.
The conviction is being celebrated as a testament to the thorough investigative work of Detective Warrant Officer Shaniel Antonie from the Kimberley Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. Her efforts were formally commended by the Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola.
“We hope this sentence serves as a deterrent to those who may consider perpetrating similar crimes,” said Lt Gen Otola. “We also trust it brings a measure of solace to the victim and encourages other survivors to continue speaking out against the scourge of GBVF.”
SAPS reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising GBVF cases and ensuring justice for survivors through proactive policing and victim-centred investigations.
Read the police statement in full below:
Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Northern Cape
KIMBERLEY – The South African Police Service (SAPS) remains steadfast in prioritising the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). In a recent milestone, the Griekwastad Regional Court sentenced Ricardo Pyl, also known as Booitjie Langman, to 22 years of direct imprisonment for rape.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 1 March 2024 at approximately midnight. A 21-year-old female was socialising at a neighbour’s house in the company of the 33-year-old accused. When the neighbour left, the accused threatened the victim with a knife and raped her inside the premises.
The victim managed to escape hours later and called for help. The accused had fled the scene, taking her cellphone. Griekwastad SAPS Detectives apprehended Pyl the following day and successfully recovered the victim’s cellphone in his possession.
Bail was successfully opposed, and the accused remained in custody until the conclusion of the trial. On 10 July 2025, he was sentenced to 22 years of direct imprisonment by the Griekwastad Regional Court.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended Detective Warrant Officer Shaniel Antonie from the Kimberley Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for her outstanding investigative work that secured the conviction.
“We hope this sentence serves as a deterrent to those who may consider perpetrating similar crimes. We also trust it brings a measure of solace to the victim and encourages other survivors to continue speaking out against the scourge of GBVF,” said Lieutenant General Otola.
Ends.