TWO ACCUSED SENTENCED FOR STABBING SPREE IN KIMBERLEY

27 June 2025

TWO ACCUSED SENTENCED FOR STABBING SPREE IN KIMBERLEY

The Kimberley Regional Court has found Reagan De Koker (29) and Verlin Phillips (36) guilty on two serious charges: assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) and Attempted Murder stemming from two separate but related stabbing incidents in Roodepan. The two acted in common purpose in both attacks, targeting unarmed victims.

On 18 November 2023, Mr Hershell Bergman (22) was en route to visit his girlfriend in Roodepan, a suburb near Kimberley when he was confronted by the accused. The two men falsely accused Mr Bergman of setting fire to their shack. During the confrontation, Verlin Phillips pulled out a knife and stabbed Mr Bergman in the stomach. As he attempted to flee, Reagan De Koker chased and stabbed him multiple times in the back. The victim collapsed at the gate of a nearby house and was later rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.

Less than three months later, on 02 February 2024, the same accused attacked Mr Fransisco Maluleke (30) inside a local tuckshop in Roodepan. Without provocation, they drew knives and repeatedly stabbed Mr Maluleke. Despite his efforts to escape, the accused continued their assault as the victim collapsed at the entrance of the shop.

During their trial, the state represented by the Regional Court Prosecutor, Mothelesi Katlego Thothela who presented a compelling case supported by the testimony of both complainants and corroborated witness accounts. The state further argued that the accused were a danger to the community and that they should be sentenced to direct imprisonment for their crimes.
The court found the state’s evidence to be clear, consistent, and persuasive rejecting the accused's version as false beyond reasonable doubt. The court held that the actions of both accused were premeditated and executed with extreme violence. It further acknowledged the prosecution's argument that the accused habitually operated as a team, displaying a flagrant disregard for human life and the law.

In sentencing, the court took both counts together for the purposes of sentence, and Reagan De Koker was sentenced to 4 years of direct imprisonment. The second accused, Verlin Phillips, received 7 years of direct imprisonment.

The Office of the Chief Public Prosecutor in the Northern Cape, Advocate Keageletse Ilanga, commends the work of the prosecution and the court in ensuring that justice was served. Violent crimes such as these are not only traumatic for the victims but also tear at the fabric of communities. The sentences send a clear message that such brutal and unprovoked acts will not be tolerated, and the NPA remains resolute in pursuing justice for all victims of violent crime.

Issued by:

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