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The eMalahleni Regional Court has sentenced a serving police officer and her former colleague to prison terms over a violent incident that unfolded during a high-speed chase in 2020.
Sergeant Louise Venter (43) and ex-officer Sergeant Stefaans Breytenbach (42) were convicted of attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Both received five years for attempted murder and an additional 18 months for assault. The sentences, handed down on 22 May 2025, come without the option of a fine.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the case stemmed from a roadblock operation on the N4 near Balmoral on 11 May 2020. When a driver allegedly ignored police instructions to stop, officers gave chase. “During the pursuit, the suspects fired several shots at the fleeing vehicle before it eventually came to a halt,” Ndubane said.
Once the car stopped, the driver was allegedly assaulted. A criminal complaint was immediately opened at the Vosman Police Station, where both officers were stationed at the time.
The investigation resulted in charges of attempted murder and assault. Venter and Breytenbach were later arrested, released on bail, and faced trial. The court has since ruled both are unfit to own firearms and denied their bid for leave to appeal. Breytenbach resigned from the South African Police Service (SAPS) in November 2022 after five years of service, having rejoined in 2017.
Reacting to the ruling, Acting Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga SAPS, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the outcome. He stressed that accountability applies to all: “No one is above the law, including police officers.”
