Two Burglars Who Took a Homeowner's Life And Put Their Daughter In An Oven During The Attack Have Been Handed Life Sentences in Prison

Two men who fatally shot a homeowner during a robbery in Emalahleni, South Africa, have both been sentenced to life imprisonment, and an additional 15-year term for their convictions of murder and robbery.

In Emalahleni Regional Court on August 15, 2023, Khulufelo Makhudu (24) and Gift "Five Minutes" Mbola (28) were found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment, along with 15 years each, for the premeditated murder of Petrus Cornelius Swanepoel and robbery with aggravating circumstances, which took place in 2019.

The incident occurred when the duo entered the victim's Klipfontein residence in Emalahleni, where they met the deceased's wife and her 5-year-old grandson. 

The robbers put the child in an oven, assaulted the woman with a firearm, and tied her up. 

They then proceeded to steal items including plasma TVs, cellphones, jewelry, and a firearm. As they were leaving, they encountered Cornelius Swanepoel and fatally shot him. 

The deceased's wife who was also assaulted

They fled in the victim's vehicle, later abandoning it near Kusile Power Station.

Arrests followed after fingerprints were discovered on the abandoned vehicle. 

During the trial, the surviving victim's testimony and a witness who purchased the stolen items were presented as evidence. 

The testimony of a witness who helped the accused retrieve the stolen goods from their hiding place in the bush supported this evidence.

In court, a victim impact statement from the survivor, assisted by Court Preparation Officer Musa Mkhatshwa, was presented. 

The statement detailed the woman's injuries and the psychological impact on her grandson, as well as the family's financial struggles due to the loss of the breadwinner.

Magistrate Combrink found both accused guilty and sentenced them to life imprisonment for murder and 15 years each for robbery with aggravating circumstances. 

They were also prohibited from possessing firearms under the Firearms Control Act.

The National Prosecuting Authority commended the sentence and expressed gratitude to the investigating team and the prosecutor for their efforts. 

In another news, woman who was found guilty of embezzling R537 million (Over $27 million) from her employer, reportedly spent R5 million (About $260,000) on gambling on a single night. See detailed story here

[SOURCE]