10 years for acid attack

JOHANNESBURG: 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 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 convicted for assault to cause grievous bodily harm in October for the acid attack on Antonio, who was 22 at the time.

Yesterday 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 Pieterse’s defence lawyer stated he was remorseful for what he had done.

“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 be 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 it was amazing how Antonio was showing such positiveness. He said no medical help would assist Antonio 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 distraught, she said she did not believe Pieterse would support her and their child as claimed by his 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.

State Prosecutor Tshepo Msiza stated it was a serious and prominent matter, which would teach “wannabe” criminals such behaviour was unacceptable.

Magistrate Roux obliged and handed Pieterse a 10-year sentence.

Antonio broke down into tears and told the media she was “overjoyed” with the sentence handed down. She said she would go 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 will be talking to young women so they don’t end up like me.”

It would teach ‘wannabe’ criminals such behaviour is unacceptable