A MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING THREE RELATIVES WAS SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT IN THE HIGH COURT
The High of South Africa; Northern Cape Division sitting in Kimberley, has sentenced Sandile Bornfree Vaaiboom (34), to life imprisonment for killing three members of his family. On 18 March 2022, near the town of Barkly West, the accused forcefully entered the home of his uncle, Petrus Vaaiboom, and Kerileng Angeline Modise. The accused began attacking the couple and killing them both, then proceeded to visit his cousin Vuyisile Vaaiboom, on the other side of town, who is a member of the South African Police Service, where he attacked him severely. The victim later succumbed to his injuries while in the hospital. The accused continued to damage properties and vehicles, after attacking his victims.
The suspect was later arrested by the members of the Police in the town of Barkly West, where he was charged with two counts of housebreaking, with intent to commit murder, one count of murder as well as two counts of malicious injury to property. During the trial, the High Court heard witness statements from family members, who managed to escape his day of rampage, of how the accused without any provocation, started attacking his own family and how he had stabbed them even when they pleaded with him.
In aggravation of sentence, the Prosecution led by Senior State Advocate Adele Van Heerden, and State Advocate Sue-Ann Weyers, argued that the court should impose a suitable sentence that fits the crime committed. The court should consider the seriousness of the offences. The Prosecutions, also put it to the court that the accused had shown no mercy, even though family members had taken care of the accused, by sheltering him when he lost his job and home. The Prosecution further argued that the defence did not present any substantial and compelling circumstances for the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
In sentencing, the court sentenced the accused to three life imprisonment for the murders of his uncle, partner, and his cousin, and he was further sentenced to five years each on two counts of malicious injury to property.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution in the Northern Cape (DPP) applauds the work done by the Prosecution team in partnership with the Investigating Officer from the South African Police Service, in ensuring that the accused is sentenced to a prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, for the murders of people whom he should have protected as they felt safe in his presence, by accommodating him in his hour of need. The DPP envisage that such a sentence will send a clear message to perpetrators of serious crimes that they will be arrested, charged, prosecuted, and sentenced by prescribed minimum sentences for such crimes.
