The Bafokeng Regional Court has sentenced 25-year-old Aroni Mabunda to 15 years of direct imprisonment following his conviction for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), read with the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act.

The conviction stems from an incident on 10 October 2025, when Mabunda accused his ex-girlfriend of cheating and stabbed her once in the back with a knife.

The victim sustained severe injuries that required a two-week hospitalisation.

Despite Mabunda pleading not guilty to the charge, State Prosecutor Zola Mpayipheli successfully secured a conviction by presenting compelling witness testimony that disproved his defense.

During sentencing proceedings, the State emphasized that gender-based violence (GBV) remains a devastating plague across South Africa.

Mpayipheli argued that severe sentences are necessary to reflect the gravity of violence against women and to serve as a clear deterrent that domestic abuse will not be tolerated.

In delivering the sentence, the presiding judge noted with concern that some perpetrators continue to disregard women and the law despite tough sentences handed down by the judiciary.

The court reiterated that the legal system will not hesitate to impose heavy penalties on individuals who use violence to resolve domestic disputes.

Following the ruling, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West praised Mpayipheli and Investigating Officer Sergeant Tshireletso Ramafoko for their thorough teamwork and commitment to bringing the perpetrator to justice.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the 15-year terms, stating that the outcome reaffirms the criminal justice system’s ongoing commitment to fighting gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) without fear, favour, or prejudice.

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