The Potchefstroom Regional Court imposed a life imprisonment sentence on Gouws Galetlhobogwe (38) after he was convicted of attempted murder, assault, housebreaking with intent to commit an offence, and contravention of the Domestic Violence Act.

The sentencing occurred on Friday, February 27. Galetlhobogwe pleaded guilty to all charges.

According to  Sivenathi Gunya, communications officer of the National Prosecuting Authority (North-West Division), the conviction stems from a violent incident that occurred on November 24, 2024 at Matlwang Village, approximately 25km outside of Potchefstroom.

“The court heard that the accused and the 34-year-old complainant had previously been in a relationship, which had ended three months prior to the incident. In the early hours of the morning, Galetlhobogwe unlawfully broke into the complainant’s home, proceeded to her bedroom, and stabbed her multiple times. When the complainant’s 90-year-old grandmother attempted to intervene, the accused pushed her, causing her to fall to the ground. He continued stabbing the complainant until she went silent, before fleeing the scene. The accused was arrested two days later and remained in custody after being denied bail,” explained Gunya.

In aggravation of the sentence, State Prosecutor Thandi Ntoyi emphasised the gravity of the offences, particularly the attempted murder within a domestic relationship and the abuse of an elderly person, both of which involve vulnerable groups.

She urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences, namely life imprisonment for attempted murder and five years’ imprisonment for the abuse of an older person.

The court concurred and imposed the following sentences:

• Attempted murder: Life imprisonment.
• Contravention of the Domestic Violence Act: 2 years’ imprisonment.
• Housebreaking with intent to commit an offence: 4 years’ imprisonment.
• Assault: 4 years’ imprisonment.

All sentences are to run concurrently with the life sentence. The court further ordered that the accused’s name be entered into the Register for Abuse of Older Persons.

Welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Prosecutor Ntoyi, the investigating officer, and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction.

“These sentences underscore the National Prosecuting Authority’s unwavering commitment to fighting crime, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring justice for victims of violent crime,” she said.