Pampierstad Rapist Receives Life Imprisonment for Series of Crimes

Pampierstad – Hans Appie, aged 50, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Taung Regional Court, a verdict welcomed by the South African Police Service management. Appie was convicted on October 17, 2023, on a series of charges including rape, attempted murder, and robbery.

According to South Africa Police Service, Appie was arrested following multiple rape cases reported in Pampierstad between 2013 and 2014. He was known for targeting children on their way to school and women either heading to work early in the morning or returning late at night. The crimes committed by Appie included rape and robbery, where he took money, clothes, and cellphones from his victims.

DNA evidence played a crucial role in linking Appie to all the rape cases. Following his arrest in 2013, bail was opposed by the investigating officer, Sergeant Sidwell Dastile, and the case was subsequently transferred to the Taung Regional Court for trial.

On November 2, 2023, the Taung Regional Court sentenced Appie to double life imprisonment, with additional sentences for attempted murder and robbery. The breakdown of the sentences is as follows:

Rape (Count 1) – Life imprisonment.

Rape (Count 2) – Life imprisonment.

Attempted Murder (Count 3) – 15 years’ imprisonment.

Attempted Murder (Count 4) – 15 years’ imprisonment.

Attempted Murder (Count 5) – 10 years’ imprisonment.

Attempted Murder (Count 6) – 10 years’ imprisonment.

Robbery (Count 7) – 15 years’ imprisonment.

Robbery (Count 8) – 15 years’ imprisonment.

Robbery (Count 9) – 8 years’ imprisonment.

Robbery (Count 10) – 8 years’ imprisonment.

Additionally, Appie was declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name will be entered in the National Register for Sexual Offenders. He is also prohibited from working with children.

Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, the Provincial Commissioner, commended Sergeant Sidwell Dastile for his meticulous investigation, which led to Appie’s life-long incarceration.