FIVE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR VEHICLE BREAK-IN IN KIMBERLEY CBD
23 July 2025
FIVE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR VEHICLE BREAK-IN IN KIMBERLEY CBD
Kimberley, Northern Cape – The Kimberley Regional Court has sentenced Godfrey Tshesebe (35) to five years of direct imprisonment for theft out of a motor vehicle, following a break-in that occurred in the Kimberley Central Business District (CBD). The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
The offence took place on 1 November 2024, at approximately 17:30, when the complainant, Aobakwe Noko, parked his vehicle on Craven Street. He locked the car and ensured the windows were closed before walking away. Upon his return, he discovered that the door had been forcibly broken open, the locking system damaged, and valuables worth approximately R4,000, including a cellphone, had been stolen.
The incident was promptly reported to the police. Crime scene experts responded swiftly, and a forensic investigation led to the recovery of fingerprints from the damaged door and lock. These prints were positively matched to Godfrey Tshesebe, who was arrested on 3 December 2024.
Although the case faced multiple delays caused by the accused, he eventually pleaded guilty. Prosecutor Mothelesi Katlego Thothela accepted the plea, and the court found Tshesebe guilty as charged. In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Thothela underscored the growing trend of vehicle break-ins in the Kimberley CBD, which have become a near-daily occurrence, causing significant economic and emotional harm to victims. The complainant, in this case, received no recovery of stolen items and bore the full cost of vehicle repairs.
The State urged the court to impose a custodial sentence that reflects the seriousness of the offence and serves as a deterrent to would-be offenders. The court agreed and imposed a five-year direct imprisonment term.
This ruling sends a firm message that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will act decisively and without hesitation against crimes that threaten the safety, economic stability, and functionality of our urban centres. Criminals who target businesses and individuals in CBDs must know that their actions will be met with the full force of the law.
The NPA remains resolute in its mission to disrupt criminal activity, safeguard law-abiding citizens, and uphold the rule of law. We will continue to pursue justice without fear, favour, or prejudice, in our effort to protect the economic and social lifeblood of towns and cities across South Africa.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson – Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539