KIMBERLEY MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER
22 October 2025
KIMBERLEY MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER
Kimberley, Northern Cape – The Kimberley Regional Court has sentenced Samkelo Komazi (26) to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of 23-year-old Donovan Reed, which occurred in the Kimberley Central Business District (CBD) in December 2023. Komazi was convicted of murder read with Section 51(2) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997, while his co-accused, Monti Van Wyk (26), was acquitted.
On the evening of 22 December 2023, the deceased, Donovan Reed, and his friend were walking home in the Kimberley CBD when they became involved in a verbal altercation with an unknown woman. The woman later reported the incident to her boyfriend, Komazi, who, together with Van Wyk, confronted the deceased and his friend. Both accused drew knives, and Komazi fatally stabbed Reed in the stomach. The victim died on the scene, and both perpetrators were later arrested.
During the trial, the State, represented by Prosecutor Mothelesi Katlego Thothela, led the evidence of two key witnesses, the deceased’s friend and a nearby restaurant owner, who both positively identified Komazi as the perpetrator. Their testimonies were found credible and consistent, particularly regarding the identification of the accused.
In aggravation of sentence, Thothela argued that the murder was committed in a brutal and senseless manner, and that Komazi demonstrated no regard for human life. The prosecutor emphasised the devastating impact of the crime on the Reed family, describing how their lives were shattered by the unnecessary loss of a young man’s life. A Victim Impact Statement, compiled by Court Preparation Officer Lindokuhle Sikhakhane, was also submitted, detailing the family’s pain and ongoing trauma.
In handing down the sentence, the court concurred with the State’s submissions, noting that violent crimes such as this must be met with firm sentences that reinforce society’s condemnation of senseless violence. Komazi was sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Northern Cape welcomes the conviction and sentence, as it demonstrates the commitment of the criminal justice system to protect communities and ensure accountability for violent offences. The NPA continues to pursue justice without fear, favour, or prejudice, and sends a clear message that acts of violence, especially those resulting in the loss of life, will not be tolerated.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539