DRUG-FUELLED MURDER IN PORT NOLLOTH ENDS IN 12-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE

Port Nolloth, Northern Cape – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured the conviction and sentencing of 34-year-old Luciano Donn, also known as "Skarrel", who has been sentenced by the Port Nolloth Regional Court to 12 years' direct imprisonment for the murder of 56-year-old Vivian van Wyk.

The conviction and sentence arise from a fatal stabbing that occurred on 28 March 2025 in Port Nolloth.

The court heard that the deceased and a friend had been socialising at a friend's house before leaving to visit the friend's brother in the Lydia Links Road area. On their way, they stopped at the residence of a known drug dealer to purchase drugs.

While they were at the house, Donn approached the pair and asked the deceased for a cigarette. When the deceased indicated that he did not smoke, Donn then requested one rand. The deceased explained that he had already spent his last rand on the purchase of drugs. Shortly after the drugs were handed over, Donn stabbed the deceased, forcibly took the drugs from the deceased's friend, and fled the scene, leaving the victim bleeding on the ground.

The deceased's friend ran to his brother's house to seek assistance. They returned to the scene and contacted the police. The deceased was transported to Martha Griffiths Hospital in Port Nolloth, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Donn was arrested later that night at a friend's residence and remained in custody after abandoning his bail application.

The trial resumed on 25 March 2026, with Regional Court Prosecutor Mr Basil Kock leading the State's case. Donn pleaded not guilty and relied on an alibi defence. After hearing the evidence of the State witnesses, as well as Donn's testimony in his own defence, the court found the State's case to be credible and rejected Donn's version as false. He was accordingly convicted of murder.

During sentencing proceedings, the defence requested the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of 15 years' imprisonment. In mitigation, the defence submitted that Donn had previously performed casual work at the home of a prophet, had accepted that the court was correct in convicting him, wished to seek forgiveness from the deceased's family, and had already spent a considerable period in custody awaiting the finalisation of the matter.

The State opposed any deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence. Prosecutor Kock argued that the murder was a serious and senseless crime driven by greed for drugs and that a sentence reflecting the gravity of the offence was required. He further submitted that the period spent in custody should carry little weight, given that Donn had voluntarily abandoned his bail application.

The State also argued that Donn had attempted to mislead the court throughout the trial by challenging the credibility of State witnesses and presenting a false version of events. It was further submitted that his expression of regret and request for forgiveness came only after conviction and therefore did not amount to genuine remorse.

After considering the evidence, the submissions of both parties, the applicable legal principles and Donn's previous convictions, the court found that the offence fell within the ambit of section 51(2) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997, which prescribes a minimum sentence of 15 years' imprisonment for murder. However, the court concluded that substantial and compelling circumstances existed to justify a lesser sentence and imposed a term of 12 years' direct imprisonment. Donn was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The NPA welcomes the conviction and sentence, which underscore the serious consequences of violent crime and the devastating impact that drug-related violence continues to have on communities. While no sentence can restore the life lost, the successful prosecution ensures accountability and provides a measure of justice for the victim's family.

The right to life is a fundamental right entrenched in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and remains central to the values of our democratic society. The NPA remains committed to combating violent crime through effective prosecutions, working closely with law enforcement agencies and criminal justice partners to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and that victims and their families receive justice. Through diligent prosecution and the pursuit of appropriate sentences, the NPA will continue to uphold the rule of law and contribute to safer communities.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Northern Cape Division