A father and his son were sentenced in the Springbok Regional Court for their part in the assault and murder of a man on Christmas Day.
A FATHER and his son were sentenced in the Springbok Regional Court for their part in the assault and murder of a man on Christmas Day.
The incident took place when two of the accused, Vincenzo van Reenen, 20, and Tyron Rhoda, 20, were sitting and drinking with friends on Christmas Day 2021.
National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the pair ran out of money and decided to go to Rhoda’s house to get more money.
“They found the house locked and went to Rhoda’s grandmother’s house, where they found co-accused Patrick van Reenen, 42 – who is Rhoda’s father.
“Patrick, Vincenzo and Rhoda returned to the house to get the money. Upon their arrival, the deceased – William Saal, 32 – and Johan Curnow passed by.
“The three accused followed the two men as they wanted to confront Curnow about allegedly breaking into Patrick’s house earlier.”
Senokoatsane added that the accused chased after Curnow and Saal, who ran off in different directions.
“The accused chased after Saal, who ran in the direction of Patrick’s house. Upon catching him, they hit him over the head with a stone.
“Vincenzo and Rhoda stabbed and stoned Saal when he fell and left him lying on the ground.”
Senokoatsane stated that Patrick drove to the shebeen, where he purchased alcohol.
“Vincenzo and Rhoda were arrested on December 26, 2021, while Patrick was arrested on April 24, 2022, following intensive investigations led by the police.”
Senokoatsane said Patrick was sentenced to three years wholly suspended for five years on condition that he was not convicted of a similar crime, after pleading guilty to assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
“He admitted that the deceased was innocent. Vincenzo and Rhoda were each sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to the murder of Saal. They were also declared unfit to possess firearms.”
