MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR KILLING WIFE AND STEPSON
22 August 2025
MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR KILLING WIFE AND STEPSON
Britstown, Northern Cape – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Northern Cape welcomes the sentence of life imprisonment handed down to Nathan Olifant (46) by the Britstown Regional Court after he pleaded guilty to two counts of murder.
The sentence stems from a tragic incident that occurred on 06 June 2023, when Olifant viciously killed his wife, 42-year-old Patricia Olifant, and his stepson, 22-year-old Romario van Wyk by striking them multiple times on the head with an axe. According to evidence presented in court, Olifant returned home from work in Prieska on his rest days and had grown increasingly suspicious and insecure about his marriage. On the morning of the murders, after his youngest daughter left for school, Olifant remained at home with Patricia, Romario, and three other children. He later confessed that, while lying in bed, he became overwhelmed by anger and marital insecurities before taking an axe and attacking Patricia in their bedroom. He then proceeded to Romario’s room, where he struck him three times on the head with the same weapon.
After realising the gravity of his actions, Olifant attempted to take his own life by hanging himself. However, one of his children discovered him and alerted neighbours, who immediately called the police and emergency services. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Patricia and Romario succumbed to their injuries within an hour. Olifant survived his suicide attempt, was hospitalised for three days, and subsequently arrested upon his discharge. He has been in custody since his arrest.
During sentencing proceedings, the prosecutor, Xolisa March stressed the brutality of the crimes, describing them as heinous acts that deeply shocked the Britstown community. The prosecutor further argued that Olifant had betrayed his duty to protect his family and that no compelling circumstances existed for the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. The State also led Victim Impact Statements (VIS), facilitated by Court Preparation Officer (CPO) Trott Manghana, in which Patricia’s sister highlighted the devastating effects of the murders on the minor children and the broader family. The court agreed with the state, finding no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence in terms of Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act. Olifant was sentenced to life imprisonment on each count of murder, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently. He was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The NPA applauds the dedicated work of prosecutor March, the Court Preparation Officer, and the South African Police Service in ensuring justice for Patricia and Romario.
“This sentence sends a strong message that acts of domestic violence and gender-based violence will not be tolerated. Families should be places of love and safety, not of fear and brutality,” said Advocate Keageletse Ilanga, Chief Prosecutor Kimberley Cluster in the Northern Cape. It can never be overemphasised how important human life is, and therefore, we will be vigorous in our pursuit of these cases to serve as a deterrent to would-be murderers.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539