THREE MOZAMBIQUE CITIZENS SENTENCED TO LENGTHY IMPRISONMENT FOR BRUTAL FARM ATTACK
04 December 2025
THREE MOZAMBIQUE CITIZENS SENTENCED TO LENGTHY IMPRISONMENT FOR BRUTAL FARM ATTACK
Douglas, Northern Cape – The Douglas Regional Court has imposed heavy sentences on three Mozambican nationals convicted of a violent farm attack, robbery, kidnapping, and related offences committed in July 2021 on a farm between Douglas and Campbell. The three were sentenced to between 25 and 27 years of direct imprisonment, underscoring the seriousness with which the justice system views farm attacks and violent crimes in rural communities. The accused – Mike Gombi (31), Alex Massango (31), and Simon Chioze (31) were convicted of Robbery with Aggravating Circumstances and two counts of Kidnapping. Chioze was further convicted for contravening the Immigration Act. A fourth accused, Thulani Ngwenya, was acquitted.
On the evening of 07 July 2021, the victims, Mr and Mrs Alberts, were ambushed on their farm in Rawston. The attackers gained entry to the residence and launched a violent assault on Mr Alberts, striking him with a panga and threatening him with a firearm before forcing him inside the house. Mrs Alberts was overpowered, and the couple’s hands were bound with cable ties as the assailants demanded cash and firearms. When their demands were not met, the attackers escalated the violence, beating the victims with a panga, burning their hands in a heated oven, and subjecting them to further torture. They stole valuables and coerced the victims into making electronic transfers. The brutality continued when the assailants kidnapped the couple, transporting them in their own vehicle to withdraw additional funds from an ATM. After the bakkie ran out of fuel near Graspan, the victims were taken into the veld. Accused 1 left with their bank cards and travelled to Kimberley, where they withdrew cash. On returning, he fired a shot in the direction of the victims before abandoning the severely injured couple in the veld. The victims managed to seek help in the early hours of 08 July 2021, leading to the opening of a case.
The State, represented by Regional Court Prosecutor Thelisha Piedt, presented strong forensic, documentary, and cellphone evidence which proved crucial in securing the convictions, despite numerous delays caused by the accused over three years. Victim Impact Statements compiled by Court Preparation Officer Lerato Modisane outlined the immense physical and emotional trauma suffered by the couple. Additional court preparation support was provided by Modisane and Dineo Speak throughout the trial. During sentencing, the State argued that the offences occurred during the COVID-19 lockdown, a period of heightened vulnerability. The accused acted out of greed, displayed no remorse, and violated the victims’ rights to dignity, safety, and security. The victims were left with lasting emotional and physical scars.
In delivering judgment, the court condemned the increasing prevalence of farm attacks, emphasising that such crimes pose a serious threat to rural communities striving to make an honest living. The court noted that robbery with aggravating circumstances is among the most violent offences, often resulting in loss of life, and stressed the need for strong sentences to deter similar crimes.
Sentences:
Accused 1: Mike Gombi (31)
• Robbery with Aggravating Circumstances – 15 years
• Kidnapping (Count 1) – 5 years
• Kidnapping (Count 2) – 5 years
Total: 25 years direct imprisonment (sentences run consecutively)
Accused 2: Alex Massango (31)
• Robbery with Aggravating Circumstances – 15 years
• Kidnapping (Count 1) – 5 years • Kidnapping (Count 2) – 5 years
Total: 25 years direct imprisonment (sentences run consecutively)
Accused 3: Simon Chioze (31)
• Robbery with Aggravating Circumstances – 15 years
• Kidnapping (Count 1) – 5 years • Kidnapping (Count 2) – 5 years
• Contravention of the Immigration Act – 2 years
Total: 27 years direct imprisonment (sentences do not run concurrently)
Accused 4: Thulani Ngwenya was acquitted and discharged.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentences as a strong affirmation of the rule of law and a reassurance to communities affected by violent crime. These outcomes reflect the dedication of the prosecution team and the resilience of the victims, whose courage ensured that justice prevailed.
The NPA reiterates that the safety and security of all citizens, including those in rural and farming communities, remain a priority. Violent attacks such as this not only endanger lives but also undermine the fundamental right to feel safe within one’s home. The NPA will continue to work closely with law enforcement to ensure offenders are held accountable and communities are protected. Through thorough investigations, strong prosecutions, and the commitment of its officials, the NPA will continue to ensure that perpetrators of violent and organised crime face the full might of the law.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539