Beer, blood and a cellphone: Man gets 16 years for violent stabbings

A HEUNINGSVLEI man who left a trail of blood and violence in his village has been sentenced to 16 years behind bars following two brutal stabbing attacks just months apart.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said that the Mothibistad Magistrate’s Court found 33-year-old Kenaleone Mmereki guilty of attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), handing down two eight-year sentences that will run concurrently.

The court heard how a Christmas-time celebration turned violent on December 26, 2021, when Mmereki became embroiled in a heated argument over a beer inside a tavern in Shalaneng village. The dispute escalated into a brutal assault as he repeatedly stabbed a 28-year-old man.

Mmereki was arrested and charged with assault GBH but was later released on bail.

Just four months later, on April 16, 2022, Mmereki struck again. This time, he confronted a 34-year-old man he believed had stolen his cellphone. The confrontation ended in a second stabbing frenzy, again in Shalaneng village. The victim sustained multiple stab wounds, and Mmereki was arrested – this time for attempted murder. Bail was denied.

The two cases were later consolidated in court, and Mmereki was ultimately handed a combined 16-year sentence for his violent outbursts that left two men severely injured and a community shaken.

SAPS management credited the thorough investigation led by Detective Sergeant Tshepiso Dioka of the Heuningsvlei Detectives for ensuring Mmereki was brought to justice.