NPA WELCOMES LIFE IMPRISONMENT SENTENCE FOR ERMELO MAN WHO BRUTALLY ATTACKED WOMAN

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the life imprisonment sentence imposed on 34-year-old Sifiso Praisegod Vilakazi of Thusi Village by the Ermelo Regional Court following his conviction for the brutal attack on a 54-year-old woman in Wesselton, Ermelo.

Vilakazi was convicted of robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder, resisting arrest, and negligent driving.

The court heard that on 20 September 2025, the victim was driving her Ford Ranger in Wesselton, Ermelo, on her way home when Vilakazi suddenly opened the driver's door and threatened her with a knife. After forcing her out of the vehicle, he launched a vicious and sustained attack, repeatedly stabbing her on her thighs, wrists, hands, and upper arms before fleeing the scene in her vehicle.

The victim sustained severe and life-threatening injuries and was hospitalised for two weeks, during which she underwent extensive medical treatment.

Following the attack, police traced the stolen vehicle as Vilakazi drove towards Amsterdam. Despite clear instructions to stop, he ignored law enforcement officers and sped away to evade arrest. Police were compelled to take decisive action and shot one of the vehicle's tyres, causing it to lose control and crash. Vilakazi was subsequently arrested at the scene.

During the trial, Vilakazi pleaded guilty to attempted murder and negligent driving but denied any intention to rob the victim. State Prosecutor Chané Rothman successfully proved the robbery charge by presenting compelling evidence, including the victim's testimony detailing the harrowing circumstances of the attack.

The State further presented a J88 medical report confirming the severity and extent of the injuries sustained by the complainant.

The court found the State's evidence credible, reliable, and corroborated by the medical findings, resulting in Vilakazi's conviction on all counts.

In her victim impact statement, the complainant described the profound physical, emotional, psychological, and financial consequences of the attack. She told the court that some of her wounds have not fully healed, continue to cause severe pain, and have permanently affected her ability to walk.

She further testified that she genuinely believed she was going to die during the ordeal and continues to receive counselling to help deal with the trauma. In addition, her vehicle was declared a write-off because of the incident, compounding the devastating impact of the crime.

In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Rothman submitted that it was nothing short of a miracle that the victim survived. The court heard that the stab wounds inflicted near the victim's femoral artery could easily have resulted in fatal blood loss.

The State also presented a photographic album depicting the extent and severity of the injuries suffered by the complainant.

Rothman argued that the attack was exceptionally violent, callous, and wholly unjustified, demonstrating a blatant disregard for human life. She urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence, emphasising the need for a punishment that reflects the seriousness of the offences, protects society, and sends a strong deterrent message to would-be offenders.

The court sentenced Vilakazi to 15 years' imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, life imprisonment for attempted murder, six months' imprisonment for resisting arrest, and four months' imprisonment for negligent driving. The court ordered all sentences to run concurrently with the life sentence, resulting in an effective sentence of life imprisonment. Vilakazi was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Welcoming the sentence, the NPA said the outcome demonstrates the commitment of the criminal justice system to holding violent offenders accountable and ensuring justice for victims of serious crime.

This sentence serves as a clear warning that those who commit brutal and senseless acts of violence will face the full might of the law. The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting communities, upholding the rights of victims, and ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions.

Ends

Issued by:

Monica Nyuswa

NPA Regional Spokesperson

DPP Mpumalanga