The Douglas Regional Court in the Northern Cape has sentenced three Mozambican nationals for a brutal farm attack. The men received between 25 and 27 years of direct imprisonment
HARROWING DETAILS OF THE NORTHERN CAPE FARM ATTACK
Thirty-one-year-old Mike Gumbi, Alex Massango, 31, and Simon Chioze, 31, ambushed Mr and Mrs Alberts at their Rawston farm home on 7 July 2021.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the accused struck Mr Alberts with a panga, threatened him with a firearm and forced him inside the house.
They then overpowered Mrs Alberts, binding the couple’s hands while demanding cash and firearms from them.
When the couple failed to meet the attackers’ demands, the violence escalated.
The attackers beat the couple with a panga, burned their hands in a heated oven and subjected them to further torture.
KIDNAPPING AND ATM WITHDRAWALS
The NPA further reports that the attackers stole valuables and forced the victims to make electronic transfers.
The accused also kidnapped and drove them in their own vehicle to withdraw more money from an ATM.
The bakkie later ran out of fuel near Graspan, leaving one attacker to travel to Kimberley with the victims’ bank cards and withdraw additional cash.
On his return, he fired a shot at the couple before abandoning them in the veld.
Fortunately, the injured couple received help in the early hours of 8 July 2021, prompting a full investigation.
SENTENCES FOR THE DOUGLAS FARM ATTACK
Gombi and Massango each received 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, five years for one count of kidnapping and another five years for count two kidnapping.
Their sentences total 25 years, expected to run concurrently.
Chioze received 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, five years for count one kidnapping and five years for the second count of kidnapping.
He also received an additional two years for contravening the Immigration Act.
His sentences will also run concurrently.
Additionally, a fourth accused, Thulani Ngwenya, was acquitted.
NPA WELCOMES THE RULING
The NPA says the sentences affirm the rule of law and send a strong message against violent and farm attacks in rural areas.
NPA Regional spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, praised the victims for their courage and the prosecution team for its dedication.
The NPA further says it remains committed to working with law enforcement to ensure communities feel safe and protected.
