Northern Cape man sentenced for vicious axe attack on sister

A 32-year-old accused, Trevor Isaacs, was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment in the Upington regional court after he was convicted for the brutal attack on his sibling, whom he assaulted with an axe.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the accused's 39-year-old sister questioned her brother on his decision to spend money on alcohol and drugs, instead of buying food or electricity, as their power supply had been disconnected on July 7.

"Enraged, Isaacs left the room, returned armed with an axe and struck his sister on the face. As a result of the attack, she permanently lost sight in her left eye. She spent a month in the hospital and has been unable to resume her previous duties as a chef at Hennie’s Restaurant. She is only able to work as a kitchen assistant in meal preparation due to her impaired vision." 

He added that state prosecutor Mannini Setai led the complainant’s testimony, in which she described the deep pain and lasting trauma caused by her brother’s violent act.

"She told the court that she could never forgive him, explaining how the assault had disfigured her and robbed her of her independence and self-esteem." 

Senokkoatsne stated that the court preparation officer, Ashley Groenewald, in the victim impact statement revealed her emotional heartbreak and sense of betrayal, noting that the accused's sister had raised him following their mother’s passing.

"Her kindness was repaid with violence.  In arguing for a harsh sentence, the prosecution highlighted that domestic violence often occurs within relationships of trust and urged the court to send a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated. The state further argued that prescribed minimum sentences serve as an important deterrent and reaffirm society’s condemnation of gender-based and domestic violence." 

He said the court imposed a sentence of 20 years imprisonment, of which five years were suspended for five years, on condition that the accused was not convicted of a similar offence during the suspension period.

"Isaacs was also declared unfit to possess a firearm." 

Senokoatsane commended the courage of the complainant for sharing her ordeal and acknowledged the professionalism and dedication of the prosecution in ensuring that justice was served.

"The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to combating gender-based and domestic violence and ensuring that offenders who violate the safety and dignity of women face appropriate and severe consequences. The NPA will continue to vigorously pursue cases of violent crime to deter would-be offenders and promote safer communities," he stated.