The Garies Regional Court has handed down a 15-year direct prison sentence to 25-year-old Juandre Smith for the murder of 39-year-old Quinton Makatees.
The conviction was delivered on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, for the fatal stabbing that occurred over a year prior, on 26 June 2024.
According to police investigations, the victim and the accused had been consuming alcohol together at a residence in Smith’s location. The social gathering turned violent when an argument erupted between the two. Following the altercation, Makatees left the residence to return home.
The court found that Smith pursued the victim and, in the ensuing confrontation, fatally stabbed him with a screwdriver.
Smith was apprehended by police shortly after the incident and was subsequently charged with murder.
The case, which was thoroughly investigated by Detective Sergeant Garth Klaase, was successfully prosecuted in court by Mr. Basil Kock.
