Kimberley court hands down tough sentences for CBD crimes

TWO MEN were sentenced in the Kimberley Regional Court this week for crimes committed in the city centre — one a violent robbery, the other theft out of a motor vehicle.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said Farook Graham, 34, was sentenced to 15 years of direct imprisonment on a charge of robbery with aggravating circumstances, following a violent attack on a 33-year-old man in the Kimberley CBD.

“The robbery occurred on December 1, 2024, as the unsuspecting victim was on his way to buy groceries. Without warning, Graham and an accomplice launched a brutal assault. Graham choked the victim, threw him to the ground, and kicked him in the head. While the victim lay incapacitated, Graham searched his pockets and stole grocery money to the value of R2,000.” 

He said the assailants fled, leaving the victim injured and helpless. 

“Quick action by members of the public led to Graham’s immediate arrest. His accomplice escaped with the stolen money and the victim’s cellphone.” 

Senokoatsane stated that Graham pleaded guilty to the charge. 

“State prosecutor Mothelesi Katlego Thothela motivated that the accused should serve 15 years’ imprisonment. The court found no substantial or compelling reasons to depart from the prescribed minimum and imposed the full sentence.” 

He added that the NPA welcomed the sentence and believed that it sent a clear and uncompromising message in the ongoing fight against violent crime.

“There will be no leniency for those who prey on innocent people. This outcome reaffirms the NPA’s unwavering commitment to upholding justice, restoring public trust and safeguarding communities by ensuring that violent offenders are relentlessly pursued, prosecuted, and imprisoned. Criminals who believe they can act with impunity must understand — there will be consequences.”

Five-year sentence imposed for vehicle break-in

Senokoatsane added that in a separate incident, Godfrey Tshesebe, 35, was sentenced to five years of direct imprisonment for theft out of a motor vehicle, following a break-in that occurred in the Kimberley central business district (CBD). 

“The incident took place on November 1, 2024, at about 5.30pm, when the complainant, Aobakwe Noko, parked his vehicle on Craven Street. He locked the car and ensured the windows were closed before walking away. Upon his return, he discovered that the door had been forcibly broken open, the locking system damaged, and valuables worth approximately R4,000, including a cellphone, had been stolen.”

He stated that fingerprints that were obtained by crime scene experts from the damaged door and locks were positively matched to the accused, who was arrested on December 3, 2024.

“Although the case faced multiple delays caused by the accused, he eventually pleaded guilty and was sentenced. In aggravation of sentence, State prosecutor Mothelesi Katlego Thothela underscored the growing trend of vehicle break-ins in the Kimberley CBD, which have become a near-daily occurrence, causing significant economic and emotional harm to victims. The complainant, in this case, received no recovery of stolen items and bore the full cost of vehicle repairs.” 

Senokoatsane added that the court agreed that a five-year sentence would serve as a deterrent to potential offenders. 

“The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm. This ruling sends a firm message that the NPA will act decisively and without hesitation against crimes that threaten the safety, economic stability, and functionality of our urban centres. Criminals who target businesses and individuals in CBDs must know that their actions will be met with the full force of the law.”