GQEBERHA — Donovan Chadon Rossouw (21) has been sentenced to an effective 18 years’ imprisonment for his role in the murder and robbery of Jeffreys Bay resident Anna Magrieta Gouws (69), bringing to a close the prosecution of all three men convicted in the 2022 killing of the Good Samaritan who was shot after offering the group a lift and buying them food.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, Rossouw was sentenced on 4 August at the Gqeberha High Court to 18 years’ imprisonment for murder and 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances.

He said the sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 18 years’ imprisonment.

Tyali said Rossouw’s co-accused, Riaan Ridley Umslana (21), who was identified as the shooter, and Siyabulela Madolo (22), were previously sentenced by the same court in February this year.

He said Umslana received an effective sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment, while Madolo was sentenced to an effective 18 years’ imprisonment.

Tyali said Rossouw’s matter was finalised through a plea and sentence agreement concluded in terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977.

He said according to Rossouw’s plea explanation, on 27 April 2022, he, Umslana and Madolo travelled from Loerie to Jeffreys Bay.

The plea further states that on their return journey, the three men walked to the Vrieskas area, where they requested a lift from Gouws, who was driving a Ford Bantam bakkie.

Acting in good faith, Gouws agreed to assist them.

The plea states that she stopped at a KFC outlet, where she bought food for herself and, at their request, also purchased food for the three men.

She then continued driving towards the corner of Da Gama Street and the R102.

“Rossouw admitted that while they were travelling, Madolo informed him and Umslana that Gouws had a substantial amount of money in her purse, which he had observed when she paid for the food at the drive-through. Rossouw further stated that Umslana then produced a firearm and indicated his intention to rob Gouws. Upon reaching the corner of Da Gama Street and the R102, Umslana approached the driver’s side of the vehicle while Madolo positioned himself on the passenger side. Rossouw remained at the rear of the bakkie,” said Tyali.

“According to Rossouw, Umslana pointed the firearm at Gouws and demanded her purse and bank cards. When Gouws refused and attempted to start the vehicle and drive away, Umslana removed the keys from the ignition. As she continued resisting the demands, Umslana shot her in the head.”

Tyali said Rossouw admitted that after Gouws had been shot, he remained at the scene while Umslana and Madolo searched the vehicle and stole her belongings.

He said Rossouw further acknowledged participating in sharing the stolen property and accompanying his co-accused back to Jeffreys Bay the following day to search for additional valuables.

“The court subsequently convicted Rossouw of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances,” said Tyali.

The Eastern Cape Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Samkelo Mtwana, welcomed the finalisation of the matter and commended Prosecutor Edmyrach Matabata and the investigating team for their diligent efforts in securing justice for Gouws and her family.

Mtwana said the conclusion of the matter demonstrates that individuals who participate in violent criminal conduct cannot evade accountability simply because they did not personally fire the fatal shot.

“The successful prosecution of all three accused demonstrates the NPA’s commitment to ensuring that all those who participate in serious and violent crimes are held accountable. The loss of Gouws, who was simply trying to assist others when she gave them a lift and bought them food, remains a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of violent crime,” said Mtwana.

Tyali said the NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting violent crime and ensuring that victims and their families receive justice.

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