Accused to serve jail time for fatal stabbing

A 25-year-old accused, Renhard Jonkers, was recently sentenced in the Kathu regional court for the murder of Emeal Van Dyk, 23, in 2017. 

National Prosecuting Authority Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the accused was on his way to school at the time of the incident when he encountered the deceased at a local tuck shop in Siyathemba.

"Without any exchange of words, Jonkers approached Van Dyk and stabbed him in the back and chest, leaving him to die on the scene," Senokoatsane said.

He indicated that victim impact statements that were compiled by the court preparation officer Kgomotso Makgalo were presented by the state prosecutor Kekeletso Lekota, detailing the profound emotional pain and loss experienced by the deceased’s family, particularly his two siblings.

"In handing down the sentence, the court found substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, noting that the accused was young at the time of the offence and a first-time offender," Senokoatsane added.

Senokoatsane further explained that the accused was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment, of which two years would be suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of a similar offence during the period of suspension.

"The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains steadfast in its commitment to pursuing justice for victims and their families. While no sentence can undo the harm caused, outcomes such as this serve to ensure accountability and provide some measure of closure to those affected by violent crime,"  he said.