Three Mozambican nationals have been handed hefty sentences after being convicted for a violent Northern Cape farm attack committed in July 2021. 1

Mike Gombi, 31, Alex Massango, 31, and Simon Chioze, 31, were convicted of robbery with aggravating circumstances and two counts of kidnapping at the Douglas Regional Court.

Chioze was further convicted for contravening the Immigration Act.

A fourth accused, Thulani Ngwenya, was acquitted on charges for the incident which occurred between Douglas and Campbell. 

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said the three were sentenced to between 25 and 27 years of direct imprisonment, underscoring the seriousness with which the justice system views farm attacks and violent crimes in rural communities.

Senokoatsane said on the evening of July 7, 2021, the victims, Mr and Mrs Alberts, were ambushed on their farm in Rawston. 

“The attackers gained entry to the residence and launched a violent assault on Mr Alberts, striking him with a panga and threatening him with a firearm before forcing him inside the house. Mrs Alberts was overpowered, and the couple’s hands were bound with cable ties as the assailants demanded cash and firearms.

“When their demands were not met, the attackers escalated the violence, beating the victims with a panga, burning their hands in a heated oven, and subjecting them to torture further. 

“They stole valuables and coerced the victims into making electronic transfers. The brutality continued when the assailants kidnapped the couple, transporting them in their own vehicle to withdraw additional funds from an ATM. After the bakkie (pickup truck) ran out of fuel near Graspan, the victims were taken into the veld,” said Senokoatsane.

According to details which emerged in court, accused 1 left with their bank cards and travelled to Kimberley, where they withdrew cash.

On returning, he fired a shot in the direction of the victims before abandoning the severely injured couple in the veld. The victims sought help in the early hours of July 8, 2021, leading to the opening of a case.

“The State, represented by Regional Court Prosecutor Thelisha Piedt, presented strong forensic, documentary, and cellphone evidence which proved crucial in securing the convictions, despite numerous delays caused by the accused over three years. Victim Impact Statements compiled by Court Preparation Officer Lerato Modisane outlined the immense physical and emotional trauma suffered by the couple,” said Senokoatsane.

During sentencing proceedings, the State argued that the offences occurred during the Covid-19 lockdown, a period of heightened vulnerability.

The court heard that the accused acted out of greed, displayed no remorse, and violated the victims’ rights to dignity, safety, and security while the victims were left with lasting emotional and physical scars.

In delivering judgment, the court condemned the increasing prevalence of farm attacks, emphasising that such crimes pose a serious threat to rural communities striving to make an honest living, said Senokoatsane.

The court also noted that robbery with aggravating circumstances is among the most violent offences, often resulting in loss of lives, and stressed the need for strong sentences to deter similar crimes.

“The NPA reiterates that the safety and security of all citizens, including those in rural and farming communities, remain a priority. Violent attacks such as this not only endanger lives but also undermine the fundamental right to feel safe within one’s home,” said Senokoatsane.

chevon.booysen@inl.co.za

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