Assaulted with a spade: Woman's death leads to life sentence
During the altercation, the accused used a spade to repeatedly assault the deceased on the head and body.
Image: File
Murder accused, Johannes Mouton, 43, was handed a life sentence in the Upington High Court for the brutal murder of his life partner, Sanna Basson, where he repeatedly assaulted her with a spade on October 16.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the tragic incident occurred between November 8 and 9, 2024.
"The couple, who shared a home and had three children together, had spent the evening drinking at a friend’s house. Upon returning home, an argument ensued after the deceased accused Mouton of wanting to meet other women. During the altercation, the accused used a spade to repeatedly assault the deceased on the head and body. The following morning, medical personnel attended to the victim and rushed her to the hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries on November 22 2024."
He indicated that the post-mortem report found that the deceased sustained multiple blunt-force injuries.
"The cause of death was septicaemia, bronchopneumonia and multiple injuries due to blunt-force trauma."
Senokoatsane said Mouton pleaded guilty on October 13.
"Upon considering all aggravating and mitigating factors, the court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
"The court also declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm. The NPA reiterates its commitment to prioritising Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) cases and to supporting victims and their families in their pursuit of justice. The sanctity of human life cannot be overemphasised. The NPA will continue to pursue these cases vigorously to ensure justice and deterrence," he stated.
State advocate Elmari Kruger pointed out that the case was a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence, particularly on women and children.
"The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence face the full might of the law,” she stated.