REGIONAL COURT SENTENCES 19-YEAR-OLD TO 20 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR THE MURDER OF A 13-YEAR-OLD BOY
08 DECEMBER 2025
REGIONAL COURT SENTENCES 19-YEAR-OLD TO 20 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR THE MURDER OF A 13-YEAR-OLD BOY
Petrusville, Northern Cape – The Petrusville Regional Court, sitting in De Aar, has convicted and sentenced Chris Blaauw (19) to 20 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of 13-year-old Deon Bezuidenhoudt. Blaauw pleaded guilty to the charge of murder, which occurred on 25 May 2025.
Evidence before the court revealed that a shop owner had entrusted the accused with two 5kg bags of mielie meal. Blaauw instructed the deceased and his friends to deliver the items to his home. When the mielie meal was not delivered, he went in search of the children and later found them at a dumping site. Upon questioning the deceased about the missing mielie meal, the boy indicated that he had taken it home as his family also needed food. Blaauw then produced a knife and stabbed the unarmed child in the chest. He fled to his home thereafter and informed his mother of what had happened, leaving the boy bleeding at the dumping site, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The following morning, the body of the deceased was discovered by his friends, who became worried when he had not returned home.
During sentencing, the State, represented by Regional Court Prosecutor Kagisho Phagana Marame, presented a Victim Impact Statement facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Trott Manghana. In the statement, the deceased’s grandmother detailed the profound emotional devastation the murder had caused the family. The prosecutor highlighted that the deceased was defenceless, posed no threat, and was abandoned after being stabbed. In mitigation, the court considered the personal circumstances of the accused, including his youth, status as a first-time offender, and his guilty plea, which spared the family further trauma and avoided a lengthy trial. These factors persuaded the court to deviate from the prescribed sentence of life imprisonment and impose a sentence of 20 years’ direct imprisonment.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence, which demonstrates the seriousness with which the courts treat violent crimes against children. The NPA remains committed to securing justice for victims and protecting society’s most vulnerable. Human life is precious, and the NPA will continue to pursue such cases vigorously to ensure accountability and deter future offenders.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
073 423 3539