A 26-year-old Harrismith man, identified as Sunday Skhosana, has been sentenced to 15 years of direct imprisonment after being found guilty of attempted murder in the Free State Regional Court. The court heard that he attacked his girlfriend, 20-year-old Sibongile Radebe, during a violent incident in October 2025 that left her permanently paralysed and wheelchair-bound.

The sentencing, delivered on 9 June 2026, follows months of court proceedings in Harrismith, a town in the eastern Free State where the case has drawn significant public attention. Authorities have described the attack as severe, with long-term consequences for the victim and deep concern within the local community.

What Happened to Sunday Skhosana and Sibongile Radebe in Harrismith

The case began on 15 October 2025 in Harrismith, Free State, when Sunday Skhosana and his girlfriend, Sibongile Radebe, were together in his room. According to court testimony and police reports, the situation escalated after the victim indicated that she wanted to leave.

Sunday Skhosana allegedly refused to allow her to leave and insisted that she remain overnight. An argument followed, which quickly turned violent inside the residence. The confrontation marked the beginning of a chain of events that would later be described in court as an attempted murder case.

Sibongile Radebe managed to escape the room during the altercation, but she was pursued by Sunday Skhosana. He caught up with her outside the room and attacked her with a knife, stabbing her multiple times. She lost consciousness at the scene.

A passerby attempted to intervene but was also attacked by the accused and forced to flee. Community members in Harrismith later responded, managed to restrain Sunday Skhosana, and assisted the injured victim before emergency services arrived.

The victim was transported to a local hospital in Harrismith before being transferred to a hospital in QwaQwa for specialised treatment. She remained hospitalised for nearly three weeks due to the severity of her injuries.

Medical reports presented during the trial confirmed that Sibongile Radebe suffered catastrophic spinal and bodily injuries, resulting in permanent paralysis. She is now wheelchair-bound and continues to receive psychological and physical rehabilitation support.

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Harrismith Court Case Details and What Police Confirmed

The Harrismith Detective Service, led by Sergeant Lorraine Zimu, worked alongside the National Prosecuting Authority to investigate the attempted murder case. The investigation focused on statements from witnesses, medical reports, and evidence collected at the scene in Harrismith.

The matter was formally heard in the Harrismith Regional Court on 8 June 2026. During the proceedings, the court examined detailed testimony outlining how the attack by Sunday Skhosana unfolded and the extent of harm suffered by the victim, Sibongile Radebe.

Prosecutors argued that the actions of Sunday Skhosana showed intent to cause serious harm, which supported the charge of attempted murder. The court found him guilty based on the evidence presented.

On 9 June 2026, the court sentenced Sunday Skhosana to 15 years’ direct imprisonment. The sentence was welcomed by Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia, who praised the speed and professionalism of the investigation and prosecution teams.

He stated that violence against women and children would not be tolerated and reaffirmed that offenders would face the full force of the law. Police also acknowledged the role of the Harrismith community members who intervened during the attack, which helped save the victim’s life.

This is not the first violent crime case reported in Harrismith involving domestic disputes escalating into serious harm. Community safety advocates have repeatedly raised concerns about intimate partner violence in parts of the Free State, calling for stronger prevention and early intervention systems.

Read more similar cases on our website for ongoing coverage of violent crime and court outcomes in South Africa.

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Family and Community Reaction in Harrismith After the Attempted Murder Sentence

The Harrismith community has expressed a mixture of relief and sadness following the sentencing of Sunday Skhosana. Many residents have described the case as deeply disturbing due to the age of the victim and the permanent nature of her injuries.

Community members who witnessed parts of the incident or assisted during the emergency response have been acknowledged by police for their bravery. Their intervention prevented further harm and ensured that Sibongile Radebe received urgent medical attention.

Within Harrismith, discussions have emerged around gender-based violence and the importance of early reporting of abusive relationships. Local leaders have called for more community awareness programmes aimed at preventing similar incidents.

Friends and relatives of the victim, Sibongile Radebe, have continued to support her recovery process. Reports indicate that she remains in rehabilitation and is adapting to life in a wheelchair following the attack.

Authorities have also urged victims of domestic violence in Harrismith and surrounding areas to seek help early and report threats or abuse before situations escalate.

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Latest Update on the Harrismith Case and What Happens Next After Sentencing

With the sentencing of Sunday Skhosana now concluded, he will serve 15 years in direct imprisonment unless any appeal processes are initiated. The court’s decision brings a formal end to the trial phase, but support for the victim continues.

Sibongile Radebe remains under ongoing medical care as she adjusts to long-term disability caused by the stabbing incident. Her rehabilitation includes physical therapy and psychological support aimed at helping her manage life after the attack.

Law enforcement officials in Harrismith have indicated that they will continue to monitor and respond to cases of domestic violence with urgency. The Provincial Commissioner reiterated the importance of community cooperation in preventing violent crime.

The Harrismith Detective Service also emphasised that swift reporting and witness cooperation played a critical role in securing the conviction. Without community intervention, the outcome could have been far more severe.

As the case concludes, attention now turns toward broader discussions in the Free State about preventing gender-based violence and improving safety mechanisms for vulnerable individuals in intimate relationships.

The sentencing of Sunday Skhosana in Harrismith marks a significant conclusion to a case that left a young woman permanently injured and a community shaken. While justice has been delivered in court, the long-term impact on Sibongile Radebe continues.

Authorities have encouraged anyone with information on similar incidents or ongoing abuse to report to local police. Readers are also encouraged to follow updates on related cases as investigations and court proceedings continue across the Free State.

You can view the full list of active cases on our Missing Persons in South Africa – Latest Updates page.

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