Elderly Colesberg woman stabbed for pension money – attacker jailed for 12 years

A 40-YEAR-old man, Nkosinathi Mhlakulo, will serve 12 years behind bars after being convicted of stealing a 70-year-old woman's pension money.

He was recently found guilty of robbery with aggravating circumstances by the Colesberg Regional Court 

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the incident took place at about 10am on June 6 in Colesberg, while the pensioner, Martha Smit, was walking home after withdrawing pension money for herself and her husband.

"She was accosted by the accused, who attempted to grab her handbag. Mhlakulo stabbed her in both hands when she resisted and fled the scene with her bag,” said Senokoatsane. "Despite her injuries, Smit screamed for help and quick-thinking community members responded and apprehended the accused. 

“The accused was subsequently arrested by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and later denied bail in the district court." 

He added that during the trial, Mhlakulo pleaded guilty to the charges.

"The court also heard a powerful victim impact statement, prepared by court preparation officer Sinazo Ndletyana, where the complainant expressed how the ordeal had left her traumatised, fearful for her safety, and suffering from recurring flashbacks that now require her to take sleeping medication." 

Senokoatsane said that the State prosecutor, Philisiwe Khoza, emphasised that Smit was a vulnerable and elderly person who deserved the full protection of the law.

"While the court found substantial and compelling circumstances to depart from the prescribed minimum sentence, it imposed a sentence of 12 years’ direct imprisonment. The court further declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm." 

The NPA commended the swift action by members of the community, the SAPS, and the diligent prosecution team that ensured justice was served.

“This outcome underscores the NPA’s unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society. We prosecute hundreds of such cases every day to uphold safety, dignity and justice for all,” Senokoatsane said.