A Delportshoop man who murdered three of his relatives, one of whom was a police officer, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Northern Cape High Court.
A DELPORTSHOOP man who murdered three of his relatives, one of whom was a police officer, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Northern Cape High Court.
Sandile Bornfree Vaaiboom, 34, was found guilty of killing his uncle Petrus Vaaiboom, his aunt Kerileng Angeline Modise and his cousin Vuyisile Vaaiboom.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said that the incident took place on March 18, 2022, when Vaaiboom attacked and killed his uncle and aunt at their home in Delportshoop before attacking his cousin, who lived on the other side of town.
“Vuyisile (Vaaiboom) was a member of the South African Police Service. He sustained serious injuries and later died in hospital. The accused continued to damage properties and vehicles after attacking his victims,” said Senokoatsane.
He added that Vaaiboom was arrested in Barkly West and charged with housebreaking with intent to commit murder, murder and two counts of malicious damage to property.
“During the trial, family members told the Northern Cape High Court how they managed to escape when he went on the rampage and stabbed them, without any provocation.”
Senokoatsane stated that the prosecution, led by senior State advocate Adele Van Heerden and State advocate Sue-Ann Weyers, pointed out that the offences were serious and that Vaaiboom lacked remorse.
“The State reminded the court that the accused showed no mercy to his family members, despite them taking care of him and providing him with shelter when he had lost his job and home.
“The prosecution argued that the defence did not present any substantial or compelling circumstances for the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.”
Senokoatsane said Vaaiboom was handed three life imprisonment sentences for the murders, which would run concurrently.
“He was given an additional five years each for the malicious damage to property charges.
“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the Northern Cape applauds the work done by the prosecution team and the investigating officer,” Senokoatsane added.
“The accused murdered the people whom he should have protected, as they felt safe in his presence by accommodating him in his hour of need. The sentence will send a clear message to perpetrators of serious crimes that they will be arrested, charged, prosecuted and sentenced.”
