MAN SENTENCED FOR THE MURDER OF JEFFREY’S BAY GOOD SAMARITAN

19 February 2026

MAN SENTENCED FOR THE MURDER OF JEFFREY’S BAY GOOD SAMARITAN

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentencing of Riaan Ridley Umslana (21) to 25 years’ imprisonment for the murder of Jeffrey’s Bay resident and well-known Good Samaritan, Anna Gouws (69). The High Court of South Africa further sentenced Umslana to 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, eight years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm, and two years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition. These sentences will run concurrently with the 25-year murder sentence.

The sentence follows a plea and sentence agreement concluded in terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977. The court heard that on 27 April 2022, Freedom Day, Umslana and his accomplice travelled from Loerie to Jeffrey’s Bay armed with a .38 calibre revolver with the intention of committing robbery. Earlier that day, the deceased had withdrawn money, paid her domestic worker, and returned home after dropping her off.

Along the way, the accused flagged her down and requested a lift and food. Acting in good faith, she allowed them onto the back of her bakkie and bought them food at a local outlet. While travelling near the corner of Da Gama Street and R102, the two confronted her. Umslana produced the firearm and shot her in the head, fatally wounding her. The accused then robbed her of her vehicle keys and a bag containing her driver’s licence, identity document, bank card, cellphone, and other personal belongings valued at approximately R115 000 before fleeing the scene. They later returned and attempted to use the deceased’s bank card. The firearm used in the commission of the crime was subsequently disposed of. Umslana was arrested on 04 May 2022.

In his plea, Umslana admitted that he intentionally shot and killed the deceased, acknowledged that his actions were unlawful, and expressed remorse for the pain caused to her family.

Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, welcomed the sentence and commended the prosecutor, Advocate Marius Stander, as well as the investigating team for their diligent work in securing justice. He stated that the sentence sends a strong message that violent crimes, particularly murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances, will be met with serious consequences. The matter of Umslana’s co-accused, Donovan Chadon Rossouw (21), was separated and is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, 24 February 2026.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Eastern Cape Division

Tel: 047 501 2630

Cell: 073 555 9292

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za