DUO SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS’ DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR VIOLENT HOUSE ROBBERY

Taung, North West – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured the conviction and sentencing of Ogodiseng Ntombi (36) and Otsile Mpheng (32), who have each been sentenced to 12 years’ direct imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to rob and robbery with aggravating circumstances. The sentence was handed down in the Taung Regional Court.

The convictions stem from a violent attack that took place on 25 November 2023. On the day of the incident, the complainant had briefly left his home to visit his sister, who lived nearby. Upon returning, he stopped at a local tuck shop before proceeding home.

When he entered his residence, he found both accused inside his house. They immediately accosted him, dragging him into the house where they repeatedly stabbed him with a knife and a panga. The attackers then forced him into a bedroom and continued the assault.

Despite his injuries, the complainant managed to escape and ran into the street, where he encountered his son. Bleeding profusely, he informed his son about the attack, prompting urgent medical assistance. He was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

During the trial, the complainant testified that Ntombi was known to him and that he knew Mpheng by sight. He further stated that a pair of sneakers and a sound amplifier system were stolen during the robbery. The stolen property was never recovered.

The complainant’s son corroborated his father’s testimony, confirming that he found him shortly after the incident and that he was bleeding from multiple stab wounds.

Following an investigation, both accused were arrested and released on bail. However, they were later remanded in custody after failing to appear in court.

The accused pleaded not guilty and advanced alibi defences, supported by witnesses. The court, however, rejected their versions and found the State had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

During sentencing proceedings, State Prosecutor Kgotso Mosanya argued that no substantial and compelling circumstances existed to justify a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment. He submitted that the accused had violated the complainant’s privacy, dignity, and bodily integrity by attacking him in the safety of his own home and robbing him of his possessions.

The court agreed with the State's assessment of the seriousness of the offences and convicted both accused of housebreaking with intent to rob and robbery with aggravating circumstances. In determining an appropriate sentence, the court considered the personal circumstances of the accused, including the fact that they were first offenders, and found that sufficient substantial and compelling circumstances existed to warrant a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence.

Each accused was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment, with two years wholly suspended for five years on condition that they are not convicted of robbery committed during the period of suspension. They were also declared unfit to possess firearms.

Welcoming the outcome, North West Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari, said the sentence demonstrates the criminal justice system’s firm stance against violent crimes that threaten the safety and security of communities.

The NPA remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crime are held accountable and that justice is secured for victims affected by such offences. The successful prosecution underscores the NPA’s determination to protect communities and uphold the rule of law by ensuring that offenders face the full consequences of their actions.

Issued by:

Lindiwe Mabasa

NPA Communications Officer

North West Division