Update

GEORGE NEWS – The trial of Rodney Witbooi (34), accused of brutally murdering his wife Soneé (28) with a panga at their Loerie Park home on 21 December 2022, commenced in the George Circuit High Court this morning, Monday 20 October.

Witbooi, who refused bail, has been in custody since his arrest at the scene nearly three years ago.

In addition to the murder charge, Witbooi faces charges of attempted rape and attempted murder linked to a separate incident outside the Purple Turtle nightclub in Pacaltsdorp in January 2020. He allegedly attacked and attempted to rape a 27-year-old woman in the parking area.

Although he was arrested that same night, he was never prosecuted on those charges at the time. The remaining charges against him, 12 in total, include common assault, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of drugs, and housebreaking.

Witbooi pleaded not guilty to all charges except those involving drugs. 

Victim testifies

The victim in the 2020 attempted rape case took the stand this morning, visibly shaken as she recounted the events of that night.

According to her testimony, she, a friend and her cousin went to the Purple Turtle nightclub in Pacaltsdorp at around midnight on 25 January 2020 to play a game of pool. She stepped outside to lock their jackets in the car, parked just outside the venue, and was on her way back into the club, when Witbooi allegedly confronted her and asked for a lighter.

The court heard that the two began talking and that Witbooi told her he was from Mossel Bay. While searching his pockets for cigarettes, he realised he did not have any and asked her where the nearest ATM was so he could draw money to buy some. She pointed towards the nearby ATMs.

While Witbooi was busy with his wallet, one of his cards fell to the ground, which she picked up. He also asked her to hold his beer, a quart.

“Then he choked me,” she told the court, demonstrating how Witbooi allegedly turned her around, pulling her back against his chest while choking her with his arm around her neck.

She testified that she struck him on the head with the beer bottle, after which he threw her to the ground and began kicking her while allegedly threatening to rape her.

“I thought he was going to rape and kill me,” she said.

According to her testimony, he then climbed on top of her and started choking her with both hands. During the struggle, the beer bottle broke and she stabbed him in the face with the piece still in her hand. “I couldn’t shout. He covered my mouth with his hand,” she said.

Witbooi then allegedly fled while she was still on the ground. He was arrested later that same night.

The victim was taken to hospital and treated for injuries to her head, hands and knees. She also told the court that Witbooi was wearing a denim dungaree in which he was keeping a panga (machete), but that he was unable to use it because of how close they were during the altercation. She said she had never met Witbooi before that night.

Proceedings continue this week with further witness testimonies expected.

The case serves in front of Judge André le Grange. Advocate Evadné Kortje is for the state and Witbooi is represented by senior advocate Johan Visser.  

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