10-Year Sentence for 4-Day Terror Spree Against Bergsig Vulnerable

FOUR DAYS OF TERROR END WITH 10-YEAR IMPRISONMENT FOR SERIAL ROBBER

Bergsig, Northern Cape – A reign of terror spanning four days in May has concluded with a swift and decisive judgment, as 20-year-old Royal Luthando Witbooi was sentenced to an effective 10 years’ direct imprisonment by the Springbok Regional Court.

Witbooi was convicted on a total of five charges—two counts of robbery, two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, and one count of resisting arrest—following a plea and sentence agreement with the State.

Violent Spree Targeted Children and Pensioner

The charges stem from a violent crime spree that unfolded between May 8 and 11, 2024, in the Bergsig area. The accused specifically targeted vulnerable members of the community, including a 10-year-old child and a 69-year-old pensioner.

The facts presented to the court painted a picture of sustained, brutal attacks:

• May 8, 2024: Witbooi assaulted and robbed an adult victim, striking him with a rock before stealing his property.

• May 9, 2024: He attacked a 10-year-old boy, kicking him in the stomach and stealing a cellphone entrusted to the child by his grandmother.

• May 10, 2024: The violence escalated when he attacked a 69-year-old pensioner with stones, inflicting open head wounds and a fractured arm before robbing him of his cellphone and other belongings.

• May 11, 2024: Witbooi, with an accomplice, assaulted another complainant, kicking and striking him with stones before robbing him of cash. His crime spree ended dramatically when he violently resisted arrest, charging at a SAPS officer while armed with a panga and striking the officer with the side of the blade before finally being subdued.

Court Imposes Concurrent Sentence

While Witbooi expressed remorse and acknowledged the unlawfulness of his actions, the court imposed severe penalties for the offences:

• 10 years’ imprisonment for each count of robbery with aggravating circumstances.

• 3 years’ imprisonment for each count of simple robbery.

• 12 months’ imprisonment for resisting arrest.

In considering the sentence, the court found substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences, citing Witbooi’s youth, impulsiveness, and status as a first-time offender. Ultimately, all sentences were ordered to run concurrently, resulting in the effective 10-year term.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) commended Regional Court Prosecutor Basil Kock and the dedicated SAPS investigating team for their meticulous work.

“This sentence affirms that violent crime, particularly against the vulnerable, will not be tolerated,” said NPA Regional Spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane. “The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting communities and ensuring offenders are held accountable.”