A Northern Cape man was sentenced to life in prison for the brutal assault and decapitation of his partner in Carnarvon.
THE COLLABORATIVE efforts of Carnarvon detectives and the State prosecutor led to a life sentence for Pheral Bamberg, who was convicted of the brutal murder of his 33-year-old partner Roylene Mondsinger.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said that on November 3, 2022, the couple were visiting with friends at their home in Carnarvon when an argument erupted after their friends had left. As Mondsinger attempted to leave for her mother’s home, Bamberg assaulted her, ultimately decapitating her and leaving her body in the kitchen before going to sleep in the bedroom.
The following day, Mondsinger’s mother discovered the shocking scene and promptly alerted the police, leading to Bamberg’s subsequent arrest. He was denied bail and remained in custody until his conviction and sentencing on November 13, 2024, in the De Aar High Court.
The Northern Cape provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, praised the investigative work of Detective Constable WJ Heyns and the prosecutorial expertise of advocate T Engelbrecht, acknowledging the appropriateness of the sentence. She emphasised that domestic violence will not be tolerated, especially as the police intensify efforts during the festive season to protect victims and bring perpetrators to justice.
Colonel Ehlers said that the police are urging communities to report any criminal activity to Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS app, and to report extortion-related incidents to the National Extortion Hotline at 0800 911 011. All reports will be handled confidentially. “If you see something, say something,” she concluded.
