The Springbok Regional Court has successfully prosecuted a 31 year old man to 10 years imprisonment on Tuesday 18 August, with two years suspended for five years, for stabbing a 16 year old boy during a violent encounter in March, early this year in Springbok.
NPA spokesperson from Northern division Mojalefa Senokoatsane confirmed that the sentence is on condition that he is not convicted of assault or assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, during the suspension period.
Senokoatsane indicated that the 16 year old victim was walking with his two friends, and one of them was holding a beverage when they encountered Gous. He confirmed that the suspect was triggered when he was informed, that someone was asking about his whereabouts.
“During the interaction, one of the youths informed Gous that a man known as “Oubaas” was looking for him. Gous became aggressive, swore at the group and challenged them by asking if they wanted to see how he would rob them of the beer,” he said.
“The teenagers laughed and encouraged him to try, prompting Gous to move towards them. The three fled the scene, but the complainant lost his flip-flops while running,” said Senokoatsane.
Furthermore, Senokoatsane added that the complainant later returned for his footwear, unknowingly that the suspect was still holding resentment. “Gous then approached him armed with a large knife and stabbed him once in the face and once in the left arm,” he said.
Despite his injuries, Senokoatsane explained that the teenager managed to escape as Gous continued chasing him with the knife. The victim managed to receive medical assistance from fellow locals.
“He eventually sought refuge at a nearby house, where residents assisted him and contacted his mother. He was subsequently transported to hospital for medical treatment,” said Senokoatsane.
“The injuries sustained by the complainant were serious and required stitches both inside and outside his mouth, as well as on his arm,” he added.
“The outcome reflects the justice system's commitment to protecting children and holding perpetrators of violent crime accountable,” said Senokoatsane.
