EASTERN CAPE - MAN SENTENCED FOR DOUSING HOME IN PETROL & LIGHTING IT WITH WIFE AND CHILDREN STILL INSIDE

SAPS Management has welcomed a heavy sentence imposed by the Aliwal Regional Court on the 43-year-old accused Erico Jacobs, yesterday the 2nd December 2020 in Aliwal North, Joe Gqabi District.

The accused person had a protection order made by his wife against him following the incidents of Domestic Violence. It is alleged that on the 22nd December 2018 while children and wife were inside their home, Erico threw petrol and set the house alight but the family managed to survive by kicking the door open. Having reported the matter to the police, the investigations started and the accused was subsequently arrested, charged and detained. 

Yesterday the Court found him guilty on two counts of attempted murder with 8 years each and ten (10) years on count 3 of Arson. In total the accused Erico Jacobs was sentenced to 26 years imprisonment.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga has appreciated the work of the investigating officers who ensured that all the evidence against the accused was collected and presented to court in order to secure the necessary convictions. “This sentence must serve as a lesson to those that are determined to violate the rights of Women and Children in our communities. As the police we are not compromising our stance regarding Gender Based Violent crimes. The sentence therefore is a manifestation of that commitment.”

The law has removed the accused person from the law abiding citizens, to spend time in prison for a period of 26 years.

via - SAPS