MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER

05 June 2025

MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER

The Adelaide Regional Court has sentenced Johannes Adoons (27) to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for the attempted murder of Dwayne Roberts (30). The incident occurred on January 28, 2024, in Adelaide. Roberts, who was walking home from a drinking spree with two friends late at night, was approached by an intoxicated Adoons near Vellem Daniel Street. Without provocation, Adoons aggressively confronted Roberts, stating, “I’ve been looking for you – let’s do this thing.” He then assaulted him by punching, kicking and repeatedly stomping on his head and body until he lost consciousness. The friends did not intervene as they too feared Adoons, who appeared less intoxicated than they.

Roberts suffered severe injuries, including bleeding from his ears, nose, and mouth, and swelling on the left side of his face. He was initially stabilised at a local hospital before being airlifted to East London for further treatment. Medical experts later confirmed that Roberts sustained traumatic brain injuries, resulting in permanent memory loss. He is no longer able to work, care for himself, or recall significant parts of his past.

The accused was arrested at his home on 09 February 2024. During the trial, he claimed he acted in self-defence, but his version was refuted by eyewitness testimony and medical evidence. Two of Robert's friends, who witnessed the attack, testified that Adoons initiated the assault and showed no signs of being threatened.

Regional Court Prosecutor, Advocate Thanduxolo Maxhaulana, led evidence from two doctors, one of whom treated Roberts on the day of the attack and another who testified about the long-term cognitive damage Roberts suffered. Despite being alive, the court accepted expert evidence that Roberts lives with a form of amnesia that renders him incapable of remembering the incident or functioning independently. Adv. Maxhaulana argued that the victim’s current state is akin to a “living death,” and emphasised the lasting impact on both the complainant and his family. The court agreed, stating that the severity of the injuries and the accused’s brutal conduct warranted a lengthy custodial sentence.

Welcoming the sentence, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, said the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the suffering endured by the victim. The court’s decision sends a strong message that such brutal acts of violence will not be tolerated.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali
Regional Spokesperson Eastern Cape Division
National Prosecuting Authority
Tel: 047 501 2630
Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za
Enquiries: nmakupula@npa.gov.za | 068 268 2473