The sentencing took place on Friday, September 20, 2024, at the High Court of South Africa in the Western Cape.
According to Eric Ntabazalila, Regional Communications Manager for the National Prosecuting Authority in the Western Cape, Williams targeted vulnerable young women by luring them with false promises of employment.
Tragically, they were later found raped, murdered, and buried in shallow graves.
Williams was convicted on February 19, 2024, on 19 charges, including six counts of kidnapping, five of rape, two of attempted rape, three of murder, and other related crimes such as arson, assault, and violating a protection order.
The 52-year-old’s crimes spanned from 2012 to 2018 in Wellington, where he kidnapped and murdered Natalie Jonkers, Maria Isaacs, and Chantelle Matthyssen, all of whom he also raped. His method involved deceiving their families by sending messages from their phones, making them believe the women were still alive.
In addition to these horrific acts, Williams also kidnapped his ex-girlfriend and her two young children, attempted to rape her, and violated a protection order she had taken against him. Despite maintaining his innocence throughout the trial and denying responsibility for the crimes, he led police to the graves of his victims.
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Maria Marshall, labeled Williams a serial rapist and murderer who showed no remorse. She emphasized that his actions were part of a larger societal issue of gender-based violence and femicide, urging the court to send a strong message of intolerance for such crimes.
Judge Rosheni Alie, in her judgment, described Williams as a manipulative, dangerous individual, stating that society must be protected from people like him. She noted that the trial also highlighted the desperate poverty and unemployment in rural areas, which made his victims vulnerable to his deceit.
Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Nicolette Bell, praised the investigative team and prosecutor for their dedication in securing Williams’ conviction. She also commended the bravery of the victims’ families, whose testimonies contributed significantly to the case. Bell remarked that the successful prosecution provides justice and closure for the victims and helps remove violent criminals from the streets.
