KIMBERLEY: As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign approaches, the South African Police Service (SAPS) welcomes the 15-year imprisonment sentence handed down by the Kimberley Regional Court to Isak Speelman, aged 31, for the murder of Yvonne Schalwyk.

According to South African Police Service, on 03 August 2022, at 20:45, Isak Speelman and the victim, Yvonne Schalwyk, aged 23, were involved in an altercation at Schalwyk’s shack in the Marula Informal Settlement in Kimberley. During the altercation, Speelman struck Schalwyk with an unknown blunt object, leaving her with severe facial injuries. Family members discovered her unconscious and she was subsequently transported to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Speelman was arrested following the incident and was sentenced to 15 years in prison on 29 October 2024. Additionally, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended Detective Sergeant MC Mosh
otloa of the Kimberley SAPS Detectives for his thorough investigation that contributed to the successful sentencing. The Commissioner emphasized the commitment of detectives and prosecution authorities to continue working diligently to ensure justice for victims.