UPINGTON MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER OF HIS SISTER
04 NOVEMBER 2025
UPINGTON MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER OF HIS SISTER
Upington, Northern Cape – The Upington Regional Court has sentenced Trevor Isaacs (32) to 15 years of direct imprisonment after convicting him of attempted murder for brutally attacking his sister with an axe.
The incident occurred on 07 July 2025, when an argument broke out between Isaacs and his 39-year-old sister. The victim had questioned Isaacs about his decision to spend money on alcohol and drugs instead of buying food or electricity, as their power supply had been disconnected. Enraged, Isaacs left the room, returned armed with an axe, and struck his sister on the face, injuring her left eye. As a result of the attack, the victim lost sight in her left eye permanently. She spent a month in the hospital and has been unable to resume her previous duties as a chef at Hennie’s Restaurant, now assisting only in meal preparation due to her impaired vision.
During sentencing proceedings, Prosecutor Mannini Setai led the complainant’s testimony, in which she described the deep pain and lasting trauma caused by her brother’s violent act. She told the court that she could never forgive him, explaining how the assault had disfigured her and robbed her of her independence and self-esteem. With the assistance of Court Preparation Officer Ashley Groenewald, the complainant completed a Victim Impact Statement (VIS), presented in aggravation of sentence. In her statement, she revealed her emotional heartbreak and sense of betrayal, noting that she had raised the accused after their mother’s passing, only for him to repay her kindness with violence.
In arguing for a harsh sentence, the prosecution highlighted that domestic violence often occurs within relationships of trust and urged the court to send a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated. The state further argued that prescribed minimum sentences serve as an important deterrent and reaffirm society’s condemnation of gender-based and domestic violence.
In delivering judgment, the Regional Court Magistrate found substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment and instead imposed 20 years’ direct imprisonment, with five years suspended for five years, on condition that the accused is not convicted of a similar offence during the suspension period. Isaacs was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) commends the courage of the victim for coming forward and sharing her ordeal and acknowledges the professionalism and dedication of Prosecutor Setai and Court Preparation Officer Groenewald in ensuring that justice was served.
The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to combating gender-based and domestic violence and ensuring that offenders who violate the safety and dignity of women face appropriate and severe consequences. The Authority reiterates that human life is sacred, and the NPA will continue to vigorously pursue cases of violent crime to deter would-be offenders and promote safer communities.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
National Prosecuting Authority
073 423 3539