SPRINGBOK REGIONAL COURT SENTENCES YOUNG OFFENDER TO 10 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER
11 November 2025
SPRINGBOK REGIONAL COURT SENTENCES YOUNG OFFENDER TO 10 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER
Springbok, Northern Cape – The Springbok Regional Court has sentenced 19-year-old Jason Prins to 10 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of Michael-Angelo van Wyk (19), which occurred on 1 March 2025 in Vaalwater, near Springbok.
On the day of the incident, the deceased, his brother, and a mutual friend were walking from Bergsig to Vaalwater carrying a five-litre container of wine. They were confronted by the accused, who attempted to rob them of the wine. When the deceased tried to reason with him, urging him to desist, Prins drew a knife and stabbed him in the neck.
The wounded victim ran to a nearby residence, where efforts were made to stop the bleeding while awaiting medical assistance. He was later transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The post-mortem report revealed that he sustained a penetrating stab wound to the left side of the neck, damaging major blood vessels, which was determined to be the cause of death.
Following his arrest, Prins entered into a plea and sentence agreement with the State, represented by Regional Court Prosecutor Basil Kock, admitting that his conduct was unlawful and that he acted with dolus eventualis—foreseeing the possibility that his actions could result in death but reconciling himself with that outcome.
In delivering judgment, the court acknowledged the seriousness of the offence but also considered the accused’s youthfulness, his status as a first offender, and the circumstances surrounding the incident. The court found these to be substantial and compelling reasons to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. Prins was consequently sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment, five years of which were suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of a similar offence during the suspension period. He was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reaffirms its commitment to ensuring justice for victims of violent crime in all communities across the Northern Cape. Human life is invaluable, and the NPA will continue to vigorously pursue cases of this nature to ensure accountability and to deter potential offenders.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539