Elderly man stabbed in Knysna attack

Update

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The man who murdered Plettenberg Bay teenager Sandisiwe Mona (17) in 2019 was sentenced to life behind bars by the Knysna Circuit High Court (that presided over the case in the Knysna Magistrate's Court) last week - more than two years after the Kwanokuthula teen's death.

According to police, Sandisiwe was left in the care of her murderer, Motseki Talasi (56) in Cuba Street, Kwanokuthula on 13 April 2019 when her grandmother went to a funeral.

When her grandmother returned, she realised that Sandisiwe had gone missing and immediately alerted authorities.

This sparked a large-scale search of surrounding areas, but did not lead to any trace of the victim.

The search and investigation

Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Christopher Spies said police however followed up information soon thereafter, resulting in a further search in densely vegetated areas between Ladywood and Kwanokuthula.

This search led to the discovery of human remains about 1,2km from Sandisiwe's house. The remains were later identified as that of the missing teenager.

Spies said the discovery and further forensic evidence obtained during the investigation led to the arrest of Talasi in September that year. Talasi was Sandisiwe's grandmother's husband.

The incident sparked an outcry from the local community and led to several peaceful protests and a petition against bail for Talasi.

More than 7 200 signatures were garnered and Talasi subsequently abandoned bail.

The outcome

He remained in custody until his conviction last Thursday, 25 November. A life sentence was handed down the following day. Western Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile commended those who had been instrumental in securing "this hefty sentence".

"The protection of the most vulnerable in society, especially women and children, is one of the key priorities for the police," Patekile said. "The conclusion of this matter on the second day of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign is proof of this commitment. Those in positions of trust should take note that they would face the full might of the law, once arrested."

He also thanked the community for their involvement in the initial search for Sandisiwe as well as the continued support during the police probe.

The armed robbery in Knysna

In the second case, a year and three months after an armed robbery took place in Knysna Heights four men have been convicted for the crime and sentenced to a collective 80 years in prison.

The judgement was handed down in the Knysna Magistrate's Court on Thursday 25 November. According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies, the four men - Tomas Halaiwa (39), Gabriel Heita (38), John Kaimbi (30) and Yonela Khatala (24) - were convicted on two charges.

"They were subsequently each sentenced to five years for housebreaking with the intent to commit robbery and 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances," Spies said.

The robbery

The armed robbery took place shortly before 21:00 at a home in Rio Street in Knysna Heights on 3 August 2020, when a group of four men forced their way into the home. "During the incident the 53-year-old victim and her family were at home when she heard a noise outside," Spies explained.

"She opened the door to investigate when four men, two of them armed with a panga and screwdriver, entered the residence and attacked the occupants. After threatening the couple and their two sons, they took jewellery, cellphones and some personal items of the victims before they fled the scene on foot."

Aftermath of the robbery

At the time it was reported that some of the stolen items as well a backpack with "house-breaking implements" were recovered in the bushes near the house. It is not clear, however, if any further items were later returned to the family. The taste of freedom did not last long for the foursome, however, as swift action by police led to their arrest the very next day.

"The following day investigating officer, Sergeant Vusumzi Xokozela, followed up information on the suspects who boarded a taxi to Cape Town at the Knysna taxi rank," Spies said. "Public Order Police in George were activated and the taxi was tracked down on the N2 highway near Mossel Bay where the suspects were apprehended." They will now all be spending 20 years in prison for their crimes.

Plaudits for the case outcome

According to Spies, the Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, commended the investigation. "As the country is in the period of the 16 days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, local communities will be much safer with these [men] being incarcerated. This lengthy incarceration should also serve as deterrent for anyone who threatens the safety of woman and children."

Chairperson of Owls PHCA Neighbourhood Watch, the organisation that greatly assisted the targeted family through the ordeal, Loryn Ferguson, expressed their delight with the successful outcome of the case.

"On behalf of Owls, a big well done and thank you to the victims for seeing this through (we know it was a terrible ordeal for them) and to all the role players involved with this incident (from response to prosecution)."

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