DOUGLAS – Three Mozambican nationals have been handed severe prison sentences totalling between 25 and 27 years for a horrific farm attack that left a Northern Cape couple tortured, burned, and abandoned in the veld after being kidnapped and robbed.
The Douglas Regional Court this week sentenced Mike Gombi (31), Alex Massango (31), and Simon Chioze (31) to lengthy terms of direct imprisonment following their convictions for the violent July 2021 attack on a farm between Douglas and Campbell.
All three were found guilty of robbery with aggravating circumstances and two counts of kidnapping, whilst Chioze received an additional sentence for contravening the Immigration Act.
A fourth accused, Thulani Ngwenya, was acquitted.
Night of terror
On the evening of 7 July 2021, Albert and Denise Alberts were ambushed at their farm, Rawston, when attackers gained entry to their residence and launched a vicious assault.
Alberts was struck with a panga and threatened with a firearm before being forced inside the house, whilst his wife was similarly overpowered.
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 their brutality, beating the victims with a panga, burning their hands in a heated oven, and subjecting them to further torture whilst stealing valuables and coercing them into making electronic transfers.
The ordeal continued when the assailants kidnapped the couple, transporting them in their own vehicle to an ATM to withdraw additional funds.
After their bakkie ran out of fuel near Graspan, the victims were taken into the veld.
One accused departed with their bank cards and travelled to Kimberley to withdraw cash. Upon returning, he fired a shot in the direction of the victims before abandoning the severely injured couple in the veld.
The victims managed to seek help in the early hours of 8 July, leading to the opening of a case.
Strong evidence secures convictions
The State, represented by Prosecutor Thelisha Piedt, presented compelling forensic, documentary, and mobile phone evidence that 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. Additional court preparation support was provided by Modisane and Dineo Speak throughout the trial.
During sentencing, the State argued that the offences occurred during the Covid-19 lockdown, a period of heightened vulnerability.
The accused acted out of greed, displayed no remorse, and violated the victims’ rights to dignity, safety, and security, leaving them with lasting emotional and physical scars.
Court condemns farm attack trend
In delivering judgement, 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.
The court noted that robbery with aggravating circumstances is amongst the most violent offences, often resulting in loss of life, and stressed the need for strong sentences to deter similar crimes.
The sentences are as follows:
- Gombi: 25 years direct imprisonment (15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances; 5 years for each kidnapping count, running consecutively)
- Massango: 25 years direct imprisonment (15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances; 5 years for each kidnapping count, running consecutively)
- Chioze: 27 years direct imprisonment (15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances; 5 years for each kidnapping count; 2 years for contravening the Immigration Act, with sentences running consecutively)
Mojalefa Senokoatsane, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said the authority welcomed the sentences as a strong affirmation of the rule of law and reassurance to communities affected by violent crime.
“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,” Senokoatsane said.
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