As the 2022 Child Protection Week draws to a close, Western Cape SAPS management welcomes the conviction and sentencing in the Western Cape High court of a grandfather from Paarl for charges relating to rape, creation and possession of child pornography.

In handing down the sentence on Friday, 03 June 2022, the judge presiding over the case sentenced 52-year-old, Wikus van Deventer to 25 years imprisonment for child rape and eight years for creation and possession of child pornography. Three years of the sentence for the creation and possession of child pornography will run concurrently thus effectively resulting in the imprisonment of the accused for 30 years.

The case was opened in Paarl in May 2021 after a two year old girl was left in the care of her grandfather. It was upon the return of the mother of the child that it was discovered that something was amiss. Further investigation of the matter resulted in the discovery of the child’s naked pictures and videos in the accused’s cellphone.

Warrant Officer Robin Taudie of the Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation (SECI) unit initiated an extensive investigation that saw van Deventer’s cellphone sent for forensic analysis in Pretoria.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt General Thembisile Patekile lauded both the investigation and prosecution teams for ensuring van Deventer is incarcerated.

“With the perpetrator behind bars, we are relieved because children who were in his proximity are safe”, says Lt General Patekile.

Source: South African Police Service