A Port Alfred man will spend the rest of his life in prison for attacking two women in separate incidents, one of whom was just 14 years old. The Port Alfred Regional Court delivered the sentence last week, following a successful investigation by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.
What Happened
Xolisa “Bonnie” Snooks was convicted after DNA evidence linked him to two separate crimes in the Thornhill and New Rest areas of Port Alfred.
- 27 January 2022: A 14-year-old girl was assaulted and robbed of her phone near the R67.
- 7 November 2024: A 20-year-old woman was threatened with a panga, forced into a shack, and attacked. Her phone was also stolen.
Detective Constable Sandra Catherine led the investigation, with forensic evidence supported by court testimony.
Official Sentence
Snooks was convicted on four charges:
| Charge | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Sexual offence (minor) | Life imprisonment |
| Robbery with aggravating circumstances | 15 years |
| Sexual offence (adult) | 15 years |
| Robbery with aggravating circumstances | 15 years |
The sentences will run concurrently.
Community Impact
The court’s decision has been welcomed by local authorities as a major step in addressing gender-based violence in the region.
“The bravery of the survivors and the thorough work of detectives helped secure this outcome,” said one official familiar with the case.
Key Facts
- DNA matched Snooks to both crime scenes
- Incidents happened in 2022 and 2024
- Victims were aged 14 and 20
- Panga used in second attack
- Life sentence delivered in December 2025
