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Northern Cape Farm Torture Case: Three Attackers Get More Than 25 Years
Justice Delivered After Chilling Northern Cape Farm Torture Case
A violent July winter night on a farm near Douglas changed everything for a couple who were simply trying to live a peaceful rural life. Now, more than three years later, the justice system has spoken, handing down heavy sentences that reflect the shock and outrage still felt across farming communities in South Africa.
A Brutal Ambush That Shocked the Region
Mike Gombi, Alex Massango, and Simon Chioze, all 31 and all Mozambican nationals, were convicted for a savage farm attack on Mr and Mrs Alberts in Rawston. Chioze carried an extra conviction for violating South Africa’s Immigration Act. A fourth man, Thulani Ngwenya, walked free after being acquitted.
The ordeal began on the evening of 7 July 2021 when the attackers stormed the Alberts’ farmhouse. They assaulted Mr Alberts with a panga and threatened him with a firearm, forcing him inside. Mrs Alberts was also overpowered. The couple was tightly bound with cable ties while the intruders demanded cash and weapons.
When their demands were not met, the violence escalated into torture. The couple was beaten again with a panga, their hands burned in a heated oven, and they suffered further attacks meant to terrorise them into giving more. Valuable belongings were taken, and electronic bank transfers were forced from the victims.
The nightmare did not end there. The couple was kidnapped in their own vehicle and driven to an ATM to withdraw funds. When the bakkie eventually ran out of fuel near Graspan, the assailants deserted the severely injured pair in the veld. In a state of fear and pain, they managed to seek help in the early hours of 8 July.
A Courtroom Fight That Took Years
The case travelled a long road to reach final sentencing. According to the National Prosecuting Authority, strong forensic work and key cellphone records helped secure the outcome, despite ongoing delays caused by the accused.
Victim Impact Statements laid bare the intense physical and emotional trauma that the Alberts will likely carry for life. The prosecution highlighted that this attack took place during the COVID-19 lockdown period, when rural families were especially vulnerable. The court agreed that the crimes were driven by greed and marked by a disturbing lack of remorse.
Sentences Meant to Deter Future Violence
The Douglas Regional Court imposed direct prison sentences ranging from 25 to 27 years, sending a clear message that South Africa will not tolerate the increasing scourge of farm attacks. The court stressed that robbery with aggravating circumstances remains among the most dangerous crimes in the country, often costing innocent lives.
Rural communities have welcomed the strong judgment. Across social platforms, many expressed relief that the suffering of farm victims is being taken seriously. People living on isolated properties often feel forgotten in national crime conversations. Cases like this remind the country that the right to feel safe at home must apply to everyone, no matter how remote their front gate is.
The state has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens everywhere, especially in farming areas where police response can sometimes take longer due to vast distances.
This sentencing will not erase the trauma endured by the Alberts. However, it stands as an important step towards justice and a clear warning to those who believe rural families are easy targets.
Also read: Hawks Take Action After Alleged R4.2 Million Blow to ECDC Funds
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Source: IOL
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