UPINGTON MAN JAILED 15 YEARS FOR AXE ATTACK ON SISTER

Upington, Northern Cape – The Upington Regional Court has sentenced 32-year-old Trevor Isaacs to 15 years’ direct imprisonment after convicting him of attempted murder for attacking his sister with an axe following a domestic dispute over money.

Brutal attack leaves sister permanently blinded

The incident took place on 7 July 2025, when an argument broke out between Isaacs and his 39-year-old sister. The victim confronted Isaacs about spending money on alcohol and drugs instead of buying food or electricity after their power had been disconnected.

Enraged, Isaacs left the room, returned with an axe, and struck his sister in the face, injuring her left eye. The attack left the victim permanently blind in that eye. She spent a month in hospital and can no longer work as a chef at Hennie’s Restaurant, now only assisting with meal preparation.

Victim’s emotional testimony moves court

During sentencing, Prosecutor Mannini Setai led the complainant’s powerful testimony. She told the court she could never forgive her brother, describing how the attack had disfigured her and destroyed her confidence and independence.

With the assistance of Court Preparation Officer Ashley Groenewald, the victim also submitted a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) detailing her heartbreak and sense of betrayal. She revealed that she had raised Isaacs after their mother’s death, only for him to repay her love with violence.

Court condemns domestic violence

The prosecution urged the court to impose a strong sentence, arguing that domestic violence often occurs in relationships of trust and that harsh punishment was necessary to deter similar crimes.

The magistrate agreed that the offence warranted severe punishment but found substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed life sentence, imposing instead 20 years’ imprisonment, five years of which were suspended for five years, on condition that Isaacs does not commit a similar offence. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

NPA praises victim’s courage

Regional Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mojalefa Senokoatsane, commended the victim for her bravery and the dedication of Prosecutor Setai and Officer Groenewald in pursuing justice.

“The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to combat gender-based and domestic violence and ensure offenders face appropriate consequences,” Senokoatsane said.

The NPA reaffirmed its stance that human life is sacred, vowing to continue pursuing cases of violent crime to deter offenders and promote safer communities.