NPA SECURES LENGTHY PRISON SENTENCES FOR MEN CONVICTED OF ATTACKING THEIR PARTNERS
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured substantial direct imprisonment sentences against two men convicted of violently attacking their intimate partners in separate matters before the Ceres Regional Court. The successful prosecutions underscore the NPA's unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and holding perpetrators accountable.
Werner Pedro was sentenced to an effective 25 years' Imprisonment.
In the first matter, Werner Pedro was sentenced to an effective 25 years' direct imprisonment following his conviction on charges of attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm committed against his wife, Petronella Pedro.
The court sentenced Pedro to 20 years' imprisonment for attempted murder, of which five years are suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of attempted murder or assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm committed during the period of suspension. He was further sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The court ordered portions of the sentences to run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 25 years' direct imprisonment.
Pedro was convicted and sentenced after entering into a plea and sentencing agreement with the State. He admitted that on the evening of 24 March 2024, at their shared residence on Welgemeen Farm, Prince Alfred Hamlet, he confronted his wife over allegations of infidelity.
When she denied the allegations, he became enraged, picked up a stone, and struck her on the head. He then assaulted her further by hitting her with a small wooden table and kicking her after she had fallen to the ground.
The couple subsequently went to the victim's aunt's residence, where the police were summoned, leading to Pedro's arrest.
After being released on bail while the matter was pending, Pedro assaulted the victim again on 23 February 2026 after she refused to wash his clothes. He admitted that he became angry because he wanted clean clothes for work the following day. He struck her in the face with his fist and kicked her upper body after she fell to the ground.
A neighbour intervened, causing him to flee the scene. He was arrested on 16 March 2026. At the time of the assault, the victim had a protection order against him.
In relation to the attempted murder charge, Pedro admitted that he foresaw the possibility that his actions could fatally injure the victim but persisted. He further acknowledged that his conduct was unlawful, intentional, wrongful, and punishable by law.
Regarding the assault charge, he similarly admitted that his conduct was unlawful and intentional and that he knew it constituted a criminal offence.
Regional Court Prosecutor Chantal de Vos argued that domestic violence remains a serious and prevalent offence within the Ceres Magistrate's Court district and that the courts must impose appropriate sentences to protect vulnerable victims and deter perpetrators.
In her Victim Impact Statement, the complainant described her disappointment at Pedro's conduct and the betrayal of trust within their relationship. The court also considered the serious injuries she sustained, as reflected in the medical reports. The presiding officer agreed with the State's submissions and imposed the sentence.
Francois Rooi was sentenced to an effective 15 years' imprisonment.
In a separate matter, the same court sentenced Francois Rooi to an effective 15 years' direct imprisonment following his conviction for the attempted murder of his former partner, Latisha Beukes.
Rooi was sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment, with five years suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of attempted murder or assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm committed during the period of suspension.
In terms of his plea and sentencing agreement, Rooi admitted that on 07 November 2025, in Vyeboom Street, Bella Vista, Ceres, he encountered Beukes, his former partner. He approached her and demanded to know the status of their relationship and requested the return of a pair of takkies he had previously purchased for her.
After returning the takkies, Beukes informed him that she no longer wished to continue the relationship and walked away. Angered by her response, Rooi took out a pocketknife and stabbed her once in the back before fleeing the scene. He was arrested approximately one week later.
In argument before the court, Prosecutor De Vos again highlighted the prevalence and seriousness of domestic violence and gender-based violence within the Ceres community.
She urged the court to send a clear message that violence against women will not be tolerated and that perpetrators must face meaningful consequences for their actions.
The NPA welcomes the sentences imposed in both matters. These convictions and substantial custodial sentences reaffirm the criminal justice system's commitment to protecting victims of gender-based violence and femicide, while sending a strong deterrent message that perpetrators of violence against women will be held accountable.
