Prinsloo sentenced for ‘Ontdekkers Police’ deaths

Henry Prinsloo, 26, who caused the death of two policemen when he crashed into their vehicle under the influence last year, was sentenced in the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Prinsloo took the stand just before 1pm. He took the opportunity to apologise to the family for the first time. “I went through a tragic time. I suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and panic and anxiety attacks and was not able to or capable of apologising earlier,” Prinsloo told the court and families.

“I feel extremely remorseful, and want to give my deepest condolences to the families,” he said.

Before sentencing, Magistrate Delize Smith said she had taken into account that Prinsloo was honest and open with the court and took responsibility for his actions without trying to shift the blame. Smith said sentencing must be in the interests of society, must be a deterrent and must be retributive. She said a balance between these elements had to be struck.

Smith told Prinsloo that he was five times over the legal blood alcohol limit, that he was speeding, that he was tired and that he should have known the BMW was a powerful vehicle. Therefore, he took a calculated risk and was grossly negligent.

Smith combined the two culpable homicide counts because they were the result of one accident. She sentenced Prinsloo to seven years’ imprisonment on the culpable homicide counts and three years for the drunken driving count. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Prinsloo was immediately taken to the cells. A policeman handed his belt and tie to his family shortly afterwards.

Read more about this case:

‘Ontdekkers police’: Accused showed no remorse, says mother

Video and Photos: Police tradegy on Ontdekkers