South Africa Case Law

S v B.C.W and Another (Sentence) (CC74/2021)

S v B.C.W and Another (Sentence) (CC74/2021) [2025] ZAWCHC 255 (19 June 2025)

Court

Western Cape High Court, Cape Town

Case number

CC74/2021

Judge

Da Silva Salie

The court found that the offences committed by Mr. Davids were marked by exceptional brutality, targeting elderly and vulnerable victims in their home during prayer. The attack resulted in the death of Mr. D[...] and serious injury to Mrs. D[...], with lasting trauma to the surviving victims and their family. The accused acted in concert with others in a premeditated and coordinated manner, and his conduct during proceedings reflected a lack of respect for human life and dignity. The accused's personal circumstances, including alleged trauma and unsubstantiated claims of dependents, did not a…

Source excerpt

• Murder
• Attempted Murder
• Housebreaking With Intent To Commit Murder
• Robbery With Aggravating Circumstances
• Sentencing Principles

S v Williams and Another (CC74/2021)

S v Williams and Another (CC74/2021) [2025] ZAWCHC 148 (27 March 2025)

Court

Western Cape High Court, Cape Town

Case number

CC74/2021

Judge

Da Silva Salie

The court found that the State proved beyond reasonable doubt that accused 2, Reagan Davids, was one of the perpetrators who committed housebreaking with intent to murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder of Kulsoem Dennis and Ibtisaam Dennis, and the murder of Hashim Ahmed Dennis. The identification evidence of Ibtisaam Dennis was found credible and reliable, corroborated by cell phone records, CCTV footage, and circumstantial evidence. The accused's version was rejected as false beyond reasonable doubt due to contradictions, improbabilities, and lack of corroboration…

Source excerpt

• Planned Murder
• Housebreaking With Intent To Commit Murder
• Robbery With Aggravating Circumstances
• Attempted Murder
• Identification Evidence
• Common Purpose

S v Mbatha and Another (CCD34/2020)

S v Mbatha and Another (CCD34/2020) [2021] ZAKZPHC 55 (3 June 2021)

Court

Kwazulu-Natal High Court, Pietermaritzburg

Case number

CCD34/2020

Judges

Lopes, S Miloszewski

The court found the evidence of the State witnesses, particularly Mr Mbambo, to be credible and corroborated by other witnesses and physical evidence. The accused's denials were found to be false beyond reasonable doubt and unsupported by any credible evidence. The planning and execution of the crimes were established through the testimony of Mr Mbambo and others, including the recovery of firearms and the handling of the stolen vehicle. The intention to commit murder and robbery was clearly formulated before the offences, and the murder of Ms Sangweni was committed to prevent her from testif…

Source excerpt

• Murder
• Housebreaking With Intent To Commit Murder
• Robbery With Aggravating Circumstances
• Accessory Liability
• Firearms Control Act
• Criminal Procedure Act Section 174

S v Esterhuizen and Others (116/01)

S v Esterhuizen and Others (116/01) [2001] ZASCA 125 (22 November 2001)

Court

Supreme Court of Appeal

Case number

116/01

Judges

Olivier, Navsa, Brand

The Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed the appellants’ challenge to convictions for housebreaking with intent to murder and murder, accepting the State’s witness evidence.

• Murder
• Housebreaking With Intent To Commit Murder
• Common Purpose
• Credibility Of Witnesses
• Housebreaking
• Common-purpose