Eba Kandovazu
THE High Court sentenced Rynardt Roelf, who fatally assaulted his girlfriend to an effective 20 years imprisonment.
Roelf, who was found to be remorseful of his actions, was initially sentenced to 25 years in jail, but five years have been suspended on condition that he is not convicted of similar offenses for a period of five years after his term.
Acting Judge Eileen Rakow also found that Roelf is a first time offender, a factor that weighs heavily on his mitigation.
His girlfriend who he assaulted to death in 2018 at Karasburg, Katrina Alexander was aged 20. Roelf is currently 36-years old.
The accused has been convicted on Murder with no direct intent to kill. It is reported that Roelf pushed her to the floor and she sustained a serious head injury, before strangling her and subsequently breaking her neck bone.
According to court documentation, on that fateful day, the couple argued about the deceased drinking patterns and money.
Roelf has since apologized to the deceased family members and to the court.
Defense Lawyer Quinton Haoseb represented the accused person in the matter, while Advocate Tangeni Itula represented the state.
