By REGINALD KANYANE
1 August 2026- A man (19) was sentenced to 12 years by the Prieska Regional Court for attempted murder. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred during the early hours of Saturday, 13 December 2025, in Prieska.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the accused, Siyabonga Shaun Abrahams and the victim, Richard Engelbrecht, had been consuming alcohol together after purchasing wine. Shemane said the victim later accompanied a female friend to obtain more alcohol, but returned empty-handed.
“An argument ensued between the accused, the victim and the woman. During the altercation, the accused allegedly attempted to stab the woman, but missed.
“Abrahams then damaged the windows of her residence, forcing her to flee the scene. The accused subsequently turned on the victim and stabbed him twice in the upper back, while demanding the wine,” he said.
Shemane further said the matter was reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the accused was arrested and charged with attempted murder and malicious damage to property. He added that, bail was successfully opposed due to the accused having pending criminal cases.
“In addition to the custodial sentence, the court declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm. The Northern Cape SAPS Provincial Management welcomed the successful conviction and sentencing of an attempted murder accused, attributing the outcome to the meticulous investigation conducted by Detective Sergeant Byron Gallant of the Prieska Detective Service.
“Four years of the sentence were suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of a similar offence committed during the period of suspension,” said Shemane.
Meanwhile, the Pixely Ka-Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended Detective Sergeant Byron Gallant for his dedication, professionalism and thorough investigation, which ensured that justice was served. Mtukushe said the South African Police Service (SAPS) remains committed to investigating violent crime thoroughly and ensuring that offenders are brought before the courts to account for their actions.
The Guardian 