Christmas Day killer sentenced to 10 years behind bars

An 18-year-old who was convicted of killing a 17-year-old acquaintance on Christmas Day 2024 has been sentenced in the Springbok regional court to 15 years imprisonment, of which five years were suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during this period. 

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson in the Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said the accused, Ronaldo Sigo Hollenbach and the deceased, Jordan Cloete, both lived in the mining town of Nababeep.

"They knew each other but were not close. On the day of the incident, Cloete and his friends were socialising and drinking outside a residence when Hollenbach joined them. After refusing an offer of beer, an argument broke out between him and the deceased over who was 'the better man'. The confrontation escalated into a fight, during which Hollenbach drew a knife and stabbed Cloete in the chest before fleeing the scene." 

He indicated that despite efforts to save him, Cloete later died in hospital.

"A post-mortem confirmed that the fatal wound penetrated the left ventricle of his heart. Hollenbach was arrested the same day and remained in custody until his sentencing. He entered a plea and sentence agreement with the state, admitting that he unlawfully stabbed the deceased, fully aware of the potentially fatal consequences." 

Senokoatsane stated that during pre-sentencing procedures, the court considered Hollenbach’s youth, the influence of alcohol, and the circumstances of the crime.

"he court also noted the deceased’s mother’s forgiveness and her support for the plea agreement. The court declared Hollenbach unfit to possess a firearm." 

He added that the NPA condemned the senseless killing and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accountability through the courts, while recognising the role of restorative justice.

"The NPA stresses that human life is sacred and will continue to pursue such cases vigorously to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders," Senokoatsane said.