Man Sentenced to Life After Killing Farmer While Disguised as a Muslim Woman
In a chilling and calculated crime, Francisco Erasmus has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of 60-year-old Abraham Herandien, a farmer from Bloupunt Farm near Oudtshoorn.
The Western Cape High Court heard that Erasmus, who was well known to Herandien and his wife, carried out the murder with the intent of claiming insurance payouts from policies where he and his wife were listed as beneficiaries.
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Disguise, Deception, and a Deadly Plan
Accordig to IOL, Erasmus met the couple in 2019 and initially gained their trust by bringing them food and assisting with transport to banks in Oudtshoorn and George to open accounts and apply for insurance policies. Unknown to the victim, these policies would later become the motive for his murder.
On 21 March 2023, Erasmus rented a vehicle in George and drove to the farm disguised in black clothing and Muslim woman’s attire, including a parda, with only his eyes visible.
Herandien’s wife recalled that her husband believed Erasmus was there to assist with his SASSA grant application. The two men left together.
Murder Discovered During Traffic Stop
Later that day, provincial traffic officers encountered the rented vehicle near Dysellsdorp Road. The number plates were covered in dirt, raising suspicion. When signaled to pull over, Erasmus initially fled but was eventually stopped after a brief chase.
What they discovered was horrifying. Herandien, injured and bleeding, was found in the passenger seat. When asked who stabbed him, he pointed to Erasmus, who stood silently beside the vehicle still in disguise. Blood stains were visible on the door and inside the vehicle.
Concealed Identity and Damning Evidence
Inside the car, police recovered a knife blade, makeup kit, contact lens holders, syringes, a black bag, a woman’s bra, and other items suggesting Erasmus’s intent to mask his identity. The court concluded that the entire setup was part of an elaborate plot to murder Herandien for financial gain.
Erasmus was arrested at a roadblock shortly after the stop. Herandien was declared dead at the scene.
The court agreed with the State’s case, noting the “premeditated, well-planned, and selfish nature” of the crime, and sentenced Erasmus to life imprisonment.