Alcohol-fuelled argument ends in partner’s murder – man jailed for 22 years

A 28-YEAR-old man, Thabiso Katiba, who pleaded guilty to the murder of his partner at Pampoenpan farm, near Hopetown, was recently sentenced to 22 years’ imprisonment by the Northern Cape High Court.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the deceased, Ria Lena Struis, 36, was also the mother of the accused’s six-year-old son.

He said Katiba was initially charged with assault and murder following the incident, which took place in May 2025.

“However, the State later withdrew the assault charge and proceeded with the murder charge. On the day in question, the accused and the deceased left their residence at Pampoenpan farm, near Hopetown, where Katiba was employed as a farmworker, to purchase groceries in Douglas. While there, they bought wine and consumed alcohol. An argument later ensued, after which they returned home and continued drinking,” Senokoatsane said.

He added that later that day, a friend of Struis visited and invited her to accompany her, offering additional alcohol.

“Upon the return of the deceased that evening, a confrontation arose outside the residence. The altercation escalated and turned violent, during which Katiba stabbed the deceased with a knife.”

Senokoatsane said Struis succumbed to her injuries and died at the scene.

“Katiba was subsequently arrested, charged with her murder, and remained in custody until the finalisation of the case.”

He added that during sentencing proceedings, Struis’s sister, who was appointed as the legal guardian of the deceased’s children, outlined in an affidavit the severe emotional trauma suffered by the family, particularly the minor children.

“She related how they have been permanently deprived of their mother’s love, care, and protection. State advocates Quinton Hollander and Rohann Steyn submitted that substantial and compelling circumstances existed to justify a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence for murder.”

Senokoatsane said Katiba was sentenced to an effective term of 22 years’ imprisonment for murder and domestic violence.

“He was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.”

Senokoatsane added that the NPA welcomed the sentence imposed and reiterated that the right to life was a fundamental constitutional right.

“Those who unlawfully deprive others of this right will be vigorously prosecuted, as part of a clear deterrent message to those who may contemplate committing such crimes.

“The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting cases of gender-based violence and femicide to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and receive appropriate sentences.”