SA man arrested for allegedly stabbing people on a US cruise ship

Ntando Sogoni, a South African national, faces ten years in prison and over R4 million fine after he was arrested for allegedly stabbing multiple people with a medical scissor on a cruise liner abroad. 

According to the United States Attorney’s Office in the District of Alaska, the incident happened on Monday, 6 May and Sogoni was arrested on Tuesday. 

NTANDO SOGONI ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY STABBING PEOPLE WITH A MEDICAL SCISSOR

The United States Attorney’s Office in the District of Alaska said the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I) arrested Ntando Sogoni on criminal charges after disembarking a cruise ship in Juneau for allegedly stabbing multiple people with medical scissors while aboard the ship.

The office said court documents indicate that on Monday, 6 May, the 35-year-old was working on the cruise ship when other ship employees observed the defendant attempting to deploy a lifeboat.

Sogoni was contacted by ship security and escorted to the ship’s medical centre for an assessment.

“Upon arrival, Sogoni physically attacked a security guard and a male nurse inside an examination room and proceeded to enter another examination room where a woman, who is a U.S. citizen, was being examined. 

“He grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed the woman multiple times in the arm, hand and face. He also stabbed two security guards who intervened—one in the head and one in the back and shoulders. Sogoni was detained and held in the ship’s jail before his arrest,” the office said. 

WHAT ARE THE CHARGES? 

Sogoni is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon within maritime and territorial jurisdiction in violation of 18 U.S.C. §113(a)(3). 

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250 000 fine (approximately R4 627 267) for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

“A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law,” the office emphasised. 

According to the Washington Post the cruise liner, Norwegian Encore, hired Ntando Sogoni the day before the stabbing. He joined the cruise ship in Seattle.

The Washington Post also reported that the cruise liner did not comment on on what vetting Sogoni received before beginning employment.

“We condemn violent behavior of this nature and are committed to the safety and security of all crew members and guests on our ships. We commend the onboard security team for their brave actions,” Norwegian told the publication.