Enzer's killer gets 25-years

Update

VAN WYKSDORP NEWS - The 17-year-old, who was convicted of the rape, murder and robbery of Van Wyksdorp farmer Valerie Enzer, was sentenced Tuesday 2 June, to an effective 25 years' direct imprisonment.

The sentence was handed down by the Western Cape Division of the High Court in Cape Town following a plea and sentencing agreement between the State and the accused.

Eric Ntabazalila, Regional Communications Manager for the Western Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), welcomed the sentence, saying it reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed against Enzer.

The murder of Enzer on 14 July 2025 shocked the farming community and attracted national attention. Her body was discovered on the stoep of her home at Doringkloof Farm outside Van Wyksdorp after a farm worker raised the alarm. Concern grew when neighbours, accustomed to receiving daily messages from Enzer, were unable to contact her.

According to Ntabazalila, the court sentenced the accused to 20 years' imprisonment for rape, 25 years for murder, and 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances. In terms of Section 280 of the Criminal Procedure Act, the sentences for rape and robbery will run concurrently with the murder sentence, resulting in an effective sentence of 25 years' direct imprisonment.

The court also declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm.

Valerie Enzer's body was found on the stoep of her farmhouse on the farm, Doringkloof, just outside Van Wyksdorp. Photos: Supplied

Plea explanation

In his plea explanation, the accused, who lives in Van Wyksdorp, admitted that he deliberately targeted Enzer because he knew she lived alone. He unlawfully entered the property, assaulted her and raped her while she was incapacitated. He then strangled her with a metal chain before stealing several items from the farmhouse, including a laptop, cellphone, purse and handbag.

The court heard that the accused removed the stolen items from the farm and later used Enzer's bank card to make a purchase. Some of the stolen property was distributed to other individuals. Following his arrest, police recovered the stolen items after he led investigators to various locations.

During sentencing proceedings, Advocate Rene Uys highlighted the vulnerability of the deceased as an elderly woman living alone on a remote farm.

The court was further informed that the accused's actions were calculated and demonstrated a complete disregard for human life and the rule of law.

The court also considered the accused's previous interactions with the criminal justice system, including allegations of theft, animal cruelty and other violent behaviour. Evidence was presented that he had previously undergone assessments relating to criminal capacity and had been the subject of concern within the community because of repeated alleged offending and intimidation of vulnerable residents.

Despite the accused's youth, the court found that the brutality of the crimes and the circumstances under which they were committed justified a lengthy prison sentence.

Western Cape Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Rene Mopp, welcomed the outcome.

"This sentence affirms the justice system's resolve to hold perpetrators of heinous crimes accountable. We hope it brings some measure of closure to the family of the deceased and the affected community," he said.

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