Four Zimbabweans Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Murder and Robbery in South Africa
Four Zimbabwean nationals have been sentenced to life imprisonment by the High Court in Pretoria.
Also Read: Undocumented Zimbabwean National Arrested for The Horrific Murder Of Five Soshanguve Patrollers
High Court Hands Down Life Sentences for Four Zimbabweans
The four Zimbabweana were convicted for their involvement in a violent robbery spree that left two people dead in Brits, North West.
According to SABC News, the crimes which took place in June 2022, resulted in the deaths of SANDF member Joel Sekano and an innocent bystander.
Targeting Families and Turning Deadly
The group preyed on families sitting outside in the evenings, robbing them of cellphones and money. What began as a string of thefts soon turned deadly when they shot and killed Sekano.
The next day, they gunned down a bystander at a tavern, further escalating their reign of terror.
Convictions For Zimbabwean Nationals Secured Despite Denials
In court, the four pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, the prosecution presented compelling evidence, leading to their conviction and life sentences.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana welcomed the outcome, stating,
In court, they pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, the State led compelling evidence. And the four were convicted and later sentenced. The NPA welcomed the sentence and reaffirms its commitment for justice in the protection of South African citizens.”
South Africans React to Sentencing, Calling for Death Penalties or Extradition
Reacting to the news, South Africans expressed frustration over the sentencing. Netizens opined that the life sentences should be converted to death sentences. On the other hand, some argued that the prisoners should be sent back to Zimbabwe to serve their life sentences.
@Kane_GM9;
All these life sentences must be converted into death sentences when proper parties take over this country
@DaveThipe;
DEATH SENTENCE would have more appropriate 🤐🤐
@Ta2edGangsta;
Send them home. Why should we pay for them to be kept alive?
@91Psalm;
Let them go serve their life sentences in Zim!!
@FredaBrodie1;
Deport them to a jail in Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 please
Why must our taxes pay for their upkeep.