Two accused sentenced for multiple stabbings in Roodepan

Two accused, Reagan De Koker, 29 and Verlin Phillips, 36 have been sentenced after being found guilty on two serious charges: assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) and attempted murder, stemming from two separate but related stabbing incidents in Roodepan.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the accused acted in common purpose in both attacks, targeting unarmed victims.

"On 18 November 2023, Hershell Bergman, 22 was on his way to visit his girlfriend in Roodepan when he was confronted by the accused. The two men falsely accused Bergman of setting fire to their shack. During the confrontation, Phillips pulled out a knife and stabbed Bergman in the stomach. As he attempted to flee, De Koker chased and stabbed him multiple times in the back. Bergman collapsed at the gate of a nearby house and was later rushed to the hospital for medical treatment." 

Senokoatsane stated that less than three months later, on February 2 2024, the same accused attacked Fransisco Maluleke, 30, inside a local tuckshop in Roodepan.

"Without provocation, they drew knives and repeatedly stabbed Maluleke. Despite his efforts to escape, the accused continued their assault after Maluleke collapsed at the entrance of the shop.

"During their trial, the state prosecutor, Mothelesi Katlego Thothela, presented a compelling case supported by the testimony of both complainants and corroborated by witness accounts. The state argued that the accused were a danger to the community and that they should be sentenced to direct imprisonment for their crimes."

He added that the court found that the actions of both accused were premeditated and executed with extreme violence.

"It acknowledged the state's argument that the accused habitually operated as a team, displaying a flagrant disregard for human life and the law." 

Senokoatsane indicated that De Koker was sentenced to four years' direct imprisonment, with Phillips being handed a seven-year prison sentence.

"Violent crimes such as these are not only traumatic for the victims but also tear at the fabric of communities. The sentences send a clear message that such brutal and unprovoked acts will not be tolerated, and the NPA remains resolute in pursuing justice for all victims of violent crime," he added. 

The Office of the Chief Public Prosecutor in the Northern Cape, Advocate Keageletse Ilanga, welcomed the sentence and commended the prosecution team in ensuring that justice was served.