Sandile Bornfree Vaaiboom (34), accused of killing three relatives, was sentenced to life imprisonment in the Kimberley High Court last week.
Mojalefa Senokoatsane, spokesperson of the National Prosecution Authority, said on 18 March 2022, Vaaiboom forcefully entered the home of his uncle, Petrus Vaaiboom, and Kerileng Angeline Modise in the Barkly West area.
He attacked the couple and killed them both, after which he proceeded to his cousin Vuyisile Vaaiboom, on the other side of town. He severely attacked his cousin, who was a member of the police. The cousin later succumbed to his injuries while in hospital.
Vaaiboom continued to damage property and vehicles after attacking his victims. He was arrested and charged with two counts of housebreaking with intent to commit murder, one count of murder as well as two counts of malicious injury to property.
During the trial, the High Court heard witness statements from family members who managed to escape his day of rampage, of how Vaaiboom attacked his family.
In aggravation of sentence, the prosecution led by senior state advocate Adele van Heerden, and state advocate Sue-Ann Weyers, argued that the court should impose a suitable sentence that fits the crimes committed. The prosecution also put it to the court that the accused had shown no mercy, even though family members had taken care of the accused by sheltering him when he lost his job and home.
The court sentenced the accused to three counts of life imprisonment for the murder of his uncle, partner, and his cousin, and was further sentenced to five years each on two counts of malicious injury to property.
