In the Beaufort West Regional Court, a resident of Beaufort West in the Western Cape has received a sentence for the murder of his girlfriend.
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Ricardo Jacobs (39) fatally stabbed Samantha May (26) 42 times on 6 July 2019, within their residence on Safraan Avenue. Tragically, May’s six-year-old son witnessed the horrific incident.
Following the murder, Jacobs absconded but was apprehended the subsequent day. During his arrest, he claimed to law enforcement that two members of a Cape Town gang were responsible for his girlfriend’s death and posed a threat to him as well.
Despite police requests, Jacobs declined to lead them to the crime scene. Consequently, he was taken into custody after being found in possession of a sheep shear.
Initially, there was no evidence connecting Jacobs to May’s murder, leading to his admission to the hospital after exhibiting signs of incoherence. However, he remained under police surveillance. The following day, police discovered evidence linking him to the crime, resulting in his arrest and subsequent murder charge.
During the trial, Jacobs’ defence requested a mental evaluation, which was delayed due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Upon its resumption, May’s son, a traumatised witness, initially feared facing Jacobs again. However, with reassurance from the Court Preparation Officer (CPO), the boy gained confidence and was prepared to testify.
State Prosecutor Hyron Goulding noted Jacobs’ initial intention to plead guilty, but he evaded responsibility until the trial commenced, persistently attributing blame to non-existent Cape Town gangsters. Goulding summoned 15 witnesses, including Jacobs’ incarcerated brothers involved in separate matters.
On 7 May, Jacobs was convicted of murder and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.
Advocate Nicolette Bell, Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, condemned the heartless murder, particularly its occurrence in the presence of May’s minor child. Bell urged victims of gender-based violence (GBV) to seek assistance promptly, revealing during the trial that May had endured physical abuse from Jacobs without reporting it.
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