The Kimberley Regional Court has handed down a five-year direct prison sentence to 35-year-old Lerato Ratikane for the violent assault of his ex-girlfriend in Roodepan last year.
The incident occurred on Monday, 28 October 2024, in Lethabo Park, Roodepan, when Ratikane approached the victim and demanded that she accompany him to his shack. The woman, who had a protection order against him, refused his request. Enraged by her refusal, Ratikane became aggressive, drew a knife, and stabbed her multiple times, leaving her unconscious. She later regained consciousness while receiving medical treatment in hospital.
Ratikane was convicted of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). In addition to his prison term, the court declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
