A 57-year-old man from Brits has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife, in a case the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says highlights the devastating impact of gender-based violence.
The Pretoria High Court handed down the sentence to Peter Johannes Smith for the murder of his wife, Theonette Smith. He was also sentenced to five years’ direct imprisonment for defeating the ends of justice, which will run concurrently with the life sentence.
According to the NPA, the incident occurred on the night of 12 October 2024 at the couple’s home, where they had been drinking and celebrating Smith’s new job. An argument broke out between the pair, during which the deceased slapped Smith. In response, he repeatedly assaulted her, causing her to collapse.
The court heard that after the incident, Smith left his wife lying on the floor and went to sleep. The following morning, he placed her body in his car and drove to a nearby veld, where he dumped her body before reporting her missing at the Brits police station.
While Smith was opening a missing persons case, police received a call from a community member who had discovered a body in the veld. Officers took Smith to the scene, where he identified the body as that of his wife. Police later noticed bloodstains in his vehicle and at the couple’s home, leading to his immediate arrest. He remained in custody throughout the trial after the State successfully opposed bail.
During the trial, Smith pleaded not guilty. However, State prosecutor Vusimuzi Tshabalala presented evidence, including expert testimony from a pathologist, which proved his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
In mitigation, the defence argued that Smith was a first-time offender, recently employed as a teacher, and under the influence of alcohol at the time. They also claimed he had not intended to cause serious harm. However, the State rejected these arguments, saying Smith was aware of his wife’s medical condition and had a duty to protect her.
The prosecution further argued that Smith showed no remorse, attempted to mislead police, and treated the victim without dignity by dumping her body. A victim impact statement, facilitated by court preparation officer Lebogang Lebese, detailed the emotional toll on the couple’s daughter, who said she had lost her support system and suffered both psychologically and physically.
In her ruling, Acting Judge Melissa Jordan agreed with the State, finding that Smith had abused a position of trust. She noted that as a trained karate practitioner, he had the ability to inflict harm and rejected claims that alcohol influenced his actions.
The court found no compelling reasons to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence and imposed life imprisonment.
NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the outcome reinforces the authority’s commitment to fighting gender-based violence and ensuring justice for victims.
“The NPA remains resolute in ensuring perpetrators of crimes against vulnerable persons are held accountable,” she said.
