GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Convictions were secured in some important cases this week in the Graaff-Reinet Magistrate’s court.

Two suspects were given custodial sentences for murder, one to 10 years and the other to 8 years’ imprisonment. A rape suspect was convicted and sentenced to 10 years.

In a case of theft, the suspect was sentenced to 6 months’ imprisonment, suspended for five years, and was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

For robbery, both suspects in a case were sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, of which 5 years is suspended for 5 years.

In the Aberdeen Regional Court, a Martienis Baaitjies received a sentence of 8 years’ imprisonment for the rape of a 19 year old female that occurred near the river in Aberdeen in 2017.

ARRESTS
More than half of the total number of arrests for the past week, in the Aberdeen and Graaff-Reinet policing districts, were for liquor or drug related crimes.

Three people were arrested for possession of drugs- one each for Mandrax, tik and dagga. Nine suspects were held for being drunk and disorderly.

Two suspects were arrested for unspecified traffic offences, and one for loitering.

There were two arrests for assault, one of which was with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

In property-related crimes, there were arrests for shoplifting, stock theft, possession of suspected stolen goods and malicious damage to property –one suspect arrested for each offence.

This week’s haul of confiscated goods includes Mandrax, 85g dagga, cash, knives, hammers, an angle grinder and discs, and safe doors.

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