JEFFREYS BAY – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentencing of Riaan Ridley Umslana (21) on 16 February to 25 years’ imprisonment for the murder of Jeffreys Bay resident and well-known Good Samaritan, Anna Gouws (69).
The High Court of South Africa also sentenced Umslana to 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, eight years for unlawful possession of a firearm, and two years for unlawful possession of ammunition, all running concurrently with the murder sentence.
According to Luxolo Tyali, National Prosecuting Authority Regional Spokesperson, the court heard that on 27 April 2022, Umslana and his accomplice travelled from Loerie to Jeffreys Bay, armed with a .38 calibre revolver with the intention of committing robbery.
He said that earlier that day, Gouws had withdrawn money, paid her domestic worker, and returned home after dropping her off.
Tyali said that along the way, the accused flagged her down and requested a lift and food.
Acting in good faith, she allowed them onto the back of her bakkie and bought them food at a local outlet.
“While travelling near the corner of Da Gama Street and the R102, the two confronted her. Umslana produced the firearm and shot her in the head, fatally wounding her,” said Tyali.
“The accused then robbed her of her vehicle keys and a bag containing her driver’s licence, identity document, bank card, cellphone, and other personal belongings valued at approximately R115,000 before fleeing the scene.”
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Tyali said that they later returned and attempted to use Gouws’ bank card.
He further said that the firearm used in the commission of the crime was subsequently disposed of.
Umslana was arrested on 4 May 2022.
His sentencing on 16 February follows a plea and sentence agreement concluded in terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977.
“In his plea, Umslana admitted that he intentionally shot and killed Gouws, acknowledged that his actions were unlawful, and expressed remorse for the pain caused to her family,” said Tyali.
Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Barry Madolo, welcomed the sentence and commended the prosecutor, Advocate Marius Stander, as well as the investigating team for their diligent work in securing justice.
He stated that the sentence sends a strong message that violent crimes, particularly murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances, will be met with serious consequences.
The matter of Umslana’s co-accused, Donovan Chadon Rossouw (21), was separated and is scheduled to commence on 24 February.
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