Etienne Jijanie was sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm. Image: Supplied.
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South Africa
Upington man sentenced to 15 years for stabbing girlfriend
A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after brutally stabbing his 21-year-old girlfriend during an attack in Upington last year.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the sentencing of 24-year-old Etienne Jijanie, who was handed 15 years’ direct imprisonment by the Upington Regional Court for the attempted murder of his girlfriend.
The attack happened on 30 May 2025 after Jijanie and the victim returned home from visiting his cousin.
The court heard that Jijanie demanded food from the victim. When she told him there was no food, he became verbally abusive and told her to sell her body so they could buy food and cigarettes.
He then assaulted her with an iron rod, fracturing her hand, before attacking her with a knife and stabbing her several times.
The woman suffered serious injuries to her chest, back and arms and was rushed to hospital for treatment. She survived the attack.
Jijanie was arrested and remained in custody until the matter was finalised.
During plea and sentencing proceedings, he pleaded guilty to attempted murder. He admitted repeatedly stabbing the victim and acknowledged that his actions could have resulted in her death.
He also admitted that, despite having consumed alcohol, he was aware of what he was doing at the time. He further acknowledged that his actions were unlawful and expressed remorse.
State Prosecutor Fridel du Plessis argued that the brutal nature of the attack warranted a substantial prison sentence, particularly given the prevalence of similar offences in the court's jurisdiction.
The State also presented a Victim Impact Statement outlining the physical, emotional and psychological impact of the attack on the victim.
The court agreed with the State's submissions and highlighted the seriousness of the offence and the prevalence of gender-based violence in the region.
Jijanie was sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The NPA said the sentence demonstrates its commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide and ensuring that perpetrators of violence against women are held accountable.
