Jogger stabbed, raped and robbed: North West man gets life behind bars

The criminal justice system is responsible for protecting vulnerable members of society, the Koster Regional Court said in sentencing a man to life imprisonment for rape and 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances.

A 49-year-old North West man who grabbed a woman from behind while she was jogging, stabbed her with a screwdriver and raped her before stealing her firearm and cellphone has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Onpie Simons was sentenced by the Koster Regional Court to life imprisonment for rape and a further 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances.

The sentences will run concurrently, while Simons was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

NPA North West spokesperson Lindiwe Mabasa said prosecutors argued that the seriousness of the attack warranted the prescribed minimum sentences.

“The court agreed with the State that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence,” Mabasa said.

Mabasa said evidence presented during the trial established that Simons approached the woman while she was out jogging and grabbed her from behind.

He stabbed her with a screwdriver before robbing her of her licensed firearm and cellphone.

“He then forced the victim to undress and raped her before fleeing the scene,” Mabasa said.

The woman reported the attack to police in Koster, prompting an investigation.

Police later received information that Simons had a firearm and obtained a search warrant for his home.

“Although the firearm was not recovered, police found a cellphone matching the description of the cellphone stolen from the victim,” Mabasa said.

Simons was subsequently charged with rape and robbery with aggravating circumstances. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.

The State had opposed his release on bail and he remained in custody throughout the trial.