Northern Cape man convicted of raping teenager and strangling her with shoelaces

Upington Superior Court recently sentenced a 26-year-old man to 25 years in prison for rape and 25 years in prison for the murder of a teenager. The sentences will run simultaneously.

The UPINGTON Supreme Court recently sentenced 26-year-old Garshwin van Rooyen to 25 years in prison for the rape and 25 years in prison for the murder of 19-year-old Verona Paulus. The sentences will run simultaneously.

According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Captain Nelis Prins, the incident occurred on June 9, 2023. While walking with Van Rooyen on the moor near Lennertsville in Keimoes, Paulus raped her and then strangled her using shoelaces from his sneakers.

After a thorough investigation, Warrant Officer William Mouers and Sergeant Heinrich Titus of Keimoes Detectives arrested Van Rooyen. The prosecution team, led by senior attorney Jaques Rosenberg, received the significant sentence on October 29, 2024, which will see Van Rooyen spend 25 years behind bars.

ZF Mgcawu District acting district commissioner, Brigadier Peet Coetzee, praised the investigating officers for their meticulous and dedicated work that resulted in the arrest and conviction.

He reassured the community that SAPS will continue to strengthen efforts to combat crimes against women and children and ensure perpetrators face justice for their actions.