FROM THE COURTS: The Ceres Regional has imposed lengthy sentences on two men for violently attacking their intimate partners.

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.

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 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, Pedro assaulted Petronella 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.

A neighbour intervened and Pedro fled the scene. At the time of the assault, the victim had a protection order against him. He was arrested on 16 March 2026. 

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.

In the second case Francois Rooi has been sentenced to an effective 15 years’ imprisonment for the attempted murder of his former partner, Latisha Beukes.

In terms of his plea and sentencing agreement, Rooi admitted that on 7 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 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 pocket knife and stabbed her once in the back before fleeing the scene. He was arrested approximately one week later.

Regional Court Prosecutor Chantal de Vos argued in both cases 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.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the successful prosecutions underscore the NPA’s unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and holding perpetrators accountable.

The NPA said these convictions and substantial custodial sentences reaffirm the criminal justice system’s commitment to protecting victims, while sending a strong deterrent message that perpetrators of violence against women will be held accountable.