For one woman, the man she once loved raped her in front of their three children. For another, a relationship that had ended turned into a nightmare when her former boyfriend arranged a shooting that left her with a bullet fragment permanently lodged in her body.

A third woman spent two weeks in hospital after her ex-boyfriend stabbed her in the back because he accused her of cheating.

Their experiences, although different, reveal the devastating consequences of gender-based violence and the dangers women can face when intimate relationships turn abusive.

In three separate cases in the North West, the courts have handed down sentences ranging from 15 years’ imprisonment to life behind bars, sending a strong message that violence against women will not be tolerated.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), which announced the sentences on Monday, said the outcomes demonstrated its commitment to holding perpetrators accountable.

But beyond the courtroom victories are women left to deal with the physical and emotional consequences of violence inflicted by men with whom they once shared intimate relationships.

In one of the most disturbing cases, 31-year-old Ndamukelo Mashaba was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his 28-year-old Botswana girlfriend in front of their three children.

The Molopo Regional Court heard that the attack happened on April 11, 2024, after the woman had decided she wanted to end the relationship because of Mashaba’s abusive behaviour.

According to the NPA, Mashaba travelled to her home in Botswana and asked that their children visit him in Makgobistadt, South Africa. The woman agreed and helped arrange the necessary border documentation.

However, while the family was walking near the Molopo River on the Botswana side of the border, Mashaba allegedly produced a knife and threatened to stab her.

She managed to block the attack, causing the knife to fall, but he forced her to cross into South Africa illegally and took her to his home.

There, the court heard, Mashaba used a rope to hang her in front of their children. Fearing for her life, she submitted to his demands before he raped her in the children’s presence.

Her ordeal did not end there.

The woman later obtained permission to visit a neighbour, where she began disclosing what had happened. Mashaba arrived while she was recounting the abuse and demanded that she leave with him.

When she refused, he struck her on the head with a beer bottle and stabbed her twice, leaving her seriously injured.

He later took her to a local clinic for treatment.

Mashaba argued that the sexual intercourse had been consensual. However, the court rejected his defence, finding that the woman’s apparent compliance had resulted from threats, violence and fear for her life.

The court imposed life imprisonment for rape, declared him unfit to possess a firearm and ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

In another case, 56-year-old Stephan Pule received life imprisonment for the attempted murder of his former girlfriend and an additional six years for kidnapping.

The Stilfontein Regional Court heard that Pule and an accomplice punctured the woman’s vehicle tyres outside an entertainment venue on July 2, 2023, before waiting for her to leave.

When she discovered the flat tyres and stopped to inspect them, an unidentified man approached and opened fire. The man was later identified as Pule’s accomplice.

Pule then emerged and stabbed her.

Despite her serious injuries, the woman survived. Pule forced her into his vehicle and drove her to a field, where he threatened to kill her.

Fearing for her life, she pleaded with him to spare her and promised not to report the incident.

He eventually agreed to take her to a nearby hospital, but instructed her to tell authorities that he had rescued her if they asked about her injuries.

Initially, she agreed out of fear. However, she later confided in medical personnel, prompting arrangements for further treatment and protection.

Her testimony revealed the lasting impact of the attack.

According to the NPA, she continues to experience fear, anxiety and flashbacks, and struggles to sleep. She was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and relies on medication to manage her condition.

She also remains concerned because Pule’s alleged accomplice has not been traced. A bullet fragment remains lodged in her body and cannot be removed.

The court found that the offences had been carefully planned and that the State had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. Pule’s sentences will run concurrently.

Meanwhile, 25-year-old Aroni Mabunda was sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for stabbing his ex-girlfriend in the back after accusing her of cheating.

The Bafokeng Regional Court heard that the attack occurred on October 10, 2025, leaving the woman with serious injuries that required two weeks of hospitalisation.

Mabunda pleaded not guilty, but the State secured his conviction through witness testimony.

During sentencing arguments, the prosecution stressed the seriousness of gender-based violence and the need for sentences that reflect the harm inflicted on victims.

The court warned that perpetrators who resort to violence to resolve domestic disputes must understand that they will face serious consequences.

Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentences in the three cases.

The NPA said it remained committed to prosecuting gender-based violence and ensuring that survivors receive justice.

While the sentences represent significant victories in the fight against abuse, the cases also illustrate that the consequences of violence can extend far beyond the courtroom, leaving survivors to rebuild their lives while coping with physical injuries, trauma and fear.

For women who experience abuse in intimate relationships, the message from the cases is clear: a relationship does not give anyone the right to inflict violence, and being a partner or former partner does not place anyone above the law.