A Bushbuckridge man who chopped off a woman’s hand with a panga and threatened to “finish her off” was sentenced to 20 years in prison by the Mhala Regional Court on Monday, February 24.

The acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Dr Zepth Mkhwanazi, welcomed the sentence as one that would send a strong deterring message to perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

The attack took place on September 16, 2023. The victim crossed paths with her panga-wielding attacker, Patrick Ntiwane (46), shortly after she was dropped off by a taxi. That was when Ntiwane grabbed her and threatened her. He proceeded to assault and stab her, incidentally severing one of her hands with the panga. He then hastily fled the scene, leaving the victim to fend for herself. Although she survived the attack, she was maimed for life.

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A case of attempted murder was subsequently opened and investigators left no stone unturned in hunting down the woman’s attacker. It took the police about 14 months to complete their investigation and get to a point where they arrested Ntiwane on November 10. A swift trial saw Ntiwane convicted and sentenced to two decades behind bars.

“We are encouraged by the harsh sentencing that was handed down to this perpetrator of GBVF. We also appreciate the collaboration displayed between the team of investigators, the prosecution and the judiciary, which culminated in a well-deserved sentence,” Mkhwanazi said.

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