BROTHER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR FATAL STABBING OF SIBLING

08 MAY 2025

BROTHER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR FATAL STABBING OF SIBLING

Springbok, Northern Cape – The Springbok Regional Court has sentenced Clifford Gertse (55) to 10 years of direct imprisonment for the killing of his older brother, Jacobus Gertse (60), in Komaggas, a small settlement near Springbok in the Northern Cape. The tragic incident occurred on 3 May 2024, when the two brothers, under the influence of alcohol, got into an argument at their shared residence. After the dispute, Jacobus went inside the house and sat down. In a fit of anger, Clifford retrieved a sharp iron pen and fatally stabbed Jacobus in the chest. A family member managed to take the weapon from Clifford, and the injured Jacobus was rushed to the local clinic before being transported to Dr. Izak van Niekerk Hospital in Springbok. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries en route.

Clifford was arrested on the same day and charged with murder. On 30 January 2025, he pleaded guilty. He remained in custody while a probation officer’s report was compiled. During the sentencing proceedings, Regional Court Prosecutor Basil Kock called the accused’s sister to testify about the impact of the incident on the family. She explained that the family feared losing another brother should Clifford be imprisoned for an extended period. She described a previously loving relationship between the two siblings and stated that this was their first serious altercation, which sadly turned fatal.

The probation officer’s report echoed the same sentiments. Prosecutor Kock submitted that, under the circumstances, this case warranted a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence of 15 years. The court accepted the state’s submission and imposed a sentence of 10 years' direct imprisonment. This case is a tragic reminder of how alcohol can tear apart family bonds. What began as a heated disagreement between two brothers ended in irreversible loss and sorrow. It highlights the destructive impact of alcohol-fuelled violence on families and communities, and the urgent need for awareness and prevention.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains committed to upholding the sanctity of human life and will continue to vigorously prosecute such cases to deter potential offenders.

Issued by:

Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
Email:MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za
Contact:073 423 3539