A 21-year-old man appeared in court for allegedly assaulting his own father and damaging property worth over E8 000, prompting Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati to deliver a stern lecture supported by a biblical reference.
Welcome Novo appeared before Magistrate Vilakati facing two counts of contravening the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act.
According to the charge sheet, on Christmas Day, at Nkwalini Zone 2, Novo unlawfully assaulted his father, Sibusiso Novo, by striking him once on the right eye with a beer bottle.
On the second count, Novo was charged with malicious damage to property. It was alleged that on the same day, he unlawfully damaged items belonging to his father valued at E8 200. The damaged items included a Pioneer radio with double speakers valued at E4 500, a motor vehicle windscreen worth E2 500, and a side indicator valued at E1 200.
When advised of his right to legal representation, Novo elected to conduct his own defence and pleaded guilty to both counts.
| Proverbs 20 verse 1: Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise
Addressing the court, he admitted that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
In an unusual moment during proceedings, Magistrate Vilakati requested the court clerk, Gcina Gamedze, to read a Bible verse to the accused. The clerk read Proverbs 20 verse 1, which reads:
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
Vilakati used the verse to caution both the accused and members of the public present in court about the dangers of alcohol abuse.
“Alcohol leads people into making unplanned and regrettable decisions,” the magistrate said.
He questioned Novo’s conduct, saying:
“Your father is not your friend or your brother. He is your father, the man who brought you into this world. What audacity do you have to assault your own father, and how can you even drink alcohol in front of him?”
The magistrate further reflected on the importance of respecting parents, noting that the Bible encourages children to honour their fathers and mothers so that their days may be long.
He also shared a personal reflection, stating that although he once consumed alcohol in his younger years, he made sure his parents never saw him drunk.
Vilakati told the accused that a custodial sentence would serve as a lesson.
“You need time to reflect and learn from your mistakes. Sidwashini Correctional Facility might help you understand the seriousness of your actions,” he said.
During mitigation, Novo pleaded with the court for leniency, telling the court that he was unemployed and remorseful.
However, Vilakati emphasised accountability, saying:
“You must start by apologising to your father and quitting alcohol. You are fortunate the Crown did not pursue further aggravating factors, but this court must balance the sentence with the offence committed.”
He was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment with an option of E2 000 fine on count one, and a further two years’ imprisonment with an option of E2 000 fine on count two. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently.
