Anwill Isaacs, a repeat offender, was sentenced to 20 years direct imprisonment by the Montagu Regional Court following his conviction on two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and one count of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft.

The sentence follows the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) successful prosecution of a man who targeted vulnerable victims, including minor children, and terrorised communities through violent criminal conduct.

During the trial, Regional Court Prosecutor Bradferd Newman proved that on 21 June 2024, Isaacs, acting together with unknown accomplices, cornered two minors in Nkqubela, Robertson, threatened them with knives, and robbed them of their cellphones.

Evidence further revealed that on 16 June 2024, five days before the robbery, Isaacs broke into a family’s home and stole various food items before fleeing the scene. Throughout the proceedings, Isaacs denied all allegations against him.

In aggravation of sentence, Newman argued that children are among the most vulnerable members of society and that courts have a duty to protect them.

He submitted that, although the minor victims did not suffer physical injuries during the robbery, the psychological harm caused was significant. One of the victims was so traumatised by the incident that he subsequently relocated from Robertson.

Newman further argued that Isaacs was not a first offender and had previous convictions relevant to the offences for which he was convicted. His criminal history demonstrated a failure to rehabilitate, while the violent nature of his offences showed an escalating pattern of criminal behaviour.

The prosecutor also submitted that stealing from already impoverished victims and depriving them of essential sustenance is a serious offence. He argued that unlawfully entering a person’s home, a place where individuals should feel safe and secure, is an aggravating factor that courts must treat seriously.

Furthermore, the accused showed no remorse for his actions, and there were no substantial and compelling circumstances warranting a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentences.

The court agreed and sentenced Isaacs to 15 years direct imprisonment on each of the two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently as the offences were committed during the same incident against two separate minor victims.

He was further sentenced to eight years imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, with three years suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of a similar offence during the period of suspension. The effective sentence is therefore 20 years direct imprisonment.

The NPA welcomes the sentence as it sends a clear message that those who prey on vulnerable members of society will face the full might of the law.