IOL News reports that two police officers – one currently serving and the other a former member – have been sentenced to prison by the eMalahleni Regional Court for attempted murder and assault related to a high-speed chase incident that occurred in 2020.

Sergeant Louise Venter, 43, and former officer Sergeant Stefaans Breytenbach, 42, were each handed five years' imprisonment for attempted murder and 18 months for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). The sentences, imposed on 22 May 2025, carried no option of a fine. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane reported that the officers attempted to stop a vehicle during a roadblock operation on the N4 near Balmoral on 11 May 2020. The driver reportedly failed to stop, resulting in a pursuit. “During the pursuit, the officers reportedly fired multiple shots at the fleeing vehicle until it eventually came to a stop,” said Ndubane. After the vehicle was halted, the officers assaulted the driver. A criminal case was opened that led to charges of attempted murder and assault against both officers and their eventual conviction. Breytenbach resigned from SAPS in November 2022 after serving five years, having rejoined the service in 2017.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Wendy Dondolo at IOL News
• Read too, Cops jailed for attempted murder of motorist who ignored roadblock, at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)

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