Jan Pieterse,45, who threw acid at the mother of his child causing her severe burns to the face and body has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court.
The shocking acid attack, in November last year, left Ines Antonio with third degree burns on her face and body. She has had plastic surgery and still needs to undergo surgery for breast implants.
Pieterse was found guilty for assault to cause grevious bodily harm in October for the acid attack on Antonio, who was only 22 years old at the time.
On Monday Magistrate Albertus Roux said it was the responsibility of the court to hand down a sentence that would make anyone who intended to abuse their partner think twice before doing so.
Earlier Pietersen’s defence lawyer stated that Pieterse was remorseful for what he had done to Antonio.
“He could’ve showed remorse when Antonio was in hospital instead he continued to send her abusive messages to the extent of saying no man will ne interested in her,” retorted Roux.
The magistrate said it was easy for Pieterse to come to court “today” and say he was remorseful, but he wasn’t convinced.
Roux added that it was amazing how Antonio was showing such positiveness. He also said no medical help would assist Antonio to live life the way a woman her age should.
Giving evidence in aggravation, Antonio said while she had forgiven Pieterse, she implored the court to give him a lengthy sentence in prison.
Clearly distrught, Antonio, told the court that she did not believe that Pieterse would help support her and their child as claimed by his defense lawyer.
“She [referring to their daughter] is scared of you and has nightmares. She hasn’t forgotten the day you poured acid on me. You need to go to jail and learn and stop abusing women,” said Antonio.
She added that maybe Pieterse’s senses would be back to normal after spending time behind bars.
State Prosecutor Tshepo Msiza stated that this was a serious and prominent matter, which would teach “wannabe” criminals that the court would not accept such behaviour.
Magistrate Roux obliged and handed Pieterse a 10-year sentence, despite his pleas that he was remorseful.
Antonio broke down into tears and later told the media that she was “overjoyed” with the sentence that was handed down.
“I’m happy about the sentencing … I was expecting two years or less … I’m happy but I feel sorry for him, but he chose this way. I feel that justice has been served and justice must keep helping us women. My daughter will be happy that she won’t see him for a long time.”
Antonio, who has a five-year-old daughter with Pieterse, also revealed that she would be going for more surgeries and that a donor had given her an apartment to live in.
“I will be going back to school to complete my matric and she will be talking to young women so they don’t end up like.”
– African News Agency
