HARK is a unique business and one of its unique services is to provide specific person-centred trauma counselling and emotional support.

Johan Kloppers, owner has more than ten (10) years of experience in trauma counselling; focused on persons affected by violent crime and has been involved in more than 300 farm attacks and more than 200 violent crimes.

Johan is a registered Trauma Counsellor with the Council for Pastoral and Spiritual Counselors (CPSC) with registration number:

•           P00803

Johan's background, knowledge and experience in the investigation field, with more than 30 years of investigation experience and also knowledge of the legal process, has brought to light that he has observed the need where people affected by these heinous crimes have no knowledge or experience when they are forced to become to also go through a legal process during which they can and will experience secondary trauma.

Below are just two incidents he was involved in, just to see the extent and the emotional trauma that loved ones go through after a brutal crime has taken place.

Farm murder, North West

A farmer from North West was attacked by six to seven suspects on his farm and shot six times, while his wife hid inside the house in fear. The farmer was able to return to the house and collapsed and fell into a coma - he succumbed to his wounds after a few days. Johan attended the funeral and was also helpful in preparing the statements of the woman and a fellow witness. Arrests were made and a long court battle began - after 4 years and 6 months with sixty-two (62) times, one of the 7 accused pleaded guilty and was sentenced; the other six defendants were deported. During the court case, the widow and family were supported and also provided with preparation as she had to testify and had no experience of the legal process or the court. After two years later, one of the suspects was shot dead after he illegally returned to South Africa - Johan had to follow up all information together with detectives and confirm that the suspect was indeed one of the accused and was able to convey this information to the widow and family.

Farm murder, Gauteng

A farmer's wife was attacked while she was alone at home; assaulted, tied up and locked in the bathroom - her husband was assaulted upon his arrival home; assaulted and tied up. The suspects searched the house and later left the scene. The woman was locked in the bathroom for 2 days, before she could break out and her husband was tied up the whole time - after help arrived, they were taken to a hospital where the man died. Johan visited the lady and family over the festive period and started walking the sea road with them. Suspects were later arrested and the chapter that had to play out in court began - the lady and family were supported before, during and after the court case - the lady and son had to testify and debriefing after the court days was very necessary. All the accused were found guilty and sentenced and the painful chapter could be closed.

Persons affected by this type of violent crime are not prepared for what may follow; and may include the following:

ü  Taking down a statement - people do not know how it should be compiled and the rights a person has to do so;

ü  Identification parade of suspects - the process is unknown and also traumatic;

ü  Bail application – persons do not understand this process;

ü  Court attendance – the legal process is not clear and also very traumatic;

ü  Giving evidence - people are sometimes forced to testify themselves in a case in which they themselves were victims or witnesses; this process is very traumatic; and

ü  Preparation of victim impact reports – victims are entitled to complete this report and it is read into evidence with sentencing.

 

 

Need

Persons affected by the above do not always have the necessary knowledge to carry out the above actions properly. A court process can also be long and challenging and support is not always available.

Furthermore, it is also necessary that investigations and especially court cases are monitored so that the case does not suffer shipwreck and can have a positive outcome; so loved ones and victims can close this chapter.

During the court process, Johan monitors the cases; communicate with the detective(s)/ investigating officers as well as the designated prosecutor(s) handling the case.

Inquiries for help and support

Johan has a wide network throughout South Africa and because he has already been successfully involved in several court cases, he receives various requests and inquiries to support persons with this process which may include:

• Trauma counselling
• Group debriefing (Debriefing of staff and therapy)
• To be helpful with investigations
• Drafting statement(s)
• Court preparation for evidence delivery
• Court support
• Assisting with preparation of Victim Impact report
• Monitoring of investigations

Most of these cases take place across South Africa and Johan travels nationwide to provide support as and when required.

Johan is currently involved in various cases across South Africa, including in several provinces such as Gauteng, North West and the Northern Cape.