Kimberley man gets seven years for stabbing dad holding baby

A 43-YEAR-old Kimberley man, Garth Smith, has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment for the attempted murder of 37-year-old Donovan Gouws, who was stabbed while holding his baby in his arms.

National Prosecuting Authority Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the incident took place on March 25, when Smith arrived at the Gouws residence in Greenpoint.

“Gouws was with his girlfriend and their five-month-old infant when Smith arrived in a rage and confronted him over an earlier dispute involving Smith’s cousin. When Gouws refused to engage and asked him to leave, Smith drew a knife and stabbed him in the chest and arm while he was still holding the baby,” said Senokoatsane.

“Gouws managed to retreat into his house, after which Smith fled the scene. Medical reports confirmed that the stab wounds were life-threatening.

Faced with overwhelming evidence, Smith pleaded guilty to attempted murder.

“In aggravation of sentence, State prosecutor Mothelesi Katlego Thothela argued that the attack was premeditated, as Smith armed himself with a knife and went to the victim’s home with the intention to kill. Thothela also emphasised Smith’s prior convictions, which demonstrated limited prospects of rehabilitation, and called for his removal from society,” said Senokoatsane.

 Smith was sentenced in the Kimberley Regional Court to seven years of direct imprisonment.

"The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Northern Cape welcomes the conviction and sentence, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that violent offenders face the full consequences of their actions. The NPA continues to prosecute hundreds of such matters that threaten the safety and well-being of communities, ensuring justice for victims of crime," Senokoatsane concluded.