The trial of the three men who stabbed and killed Bedfordview businessman Mr Vangel ‘Vic’ Jankulovski during a robbery at his business in February 2011 finally came to a close.
All three were found guilty by the Germiston Regional Court.
The three men; Justice Mathebula, Themba Malinga and Fana Kunene, were sentenced to 15 years in prison each.
Mr Jankulovski was the owner of Boundary Butchery in Bedfordview, a business he had established 42 years ago. His daughter, Ms Levkov Biljana, said during that time he built good relationships and friendships with his customers and the community.
“He was passionate about his work and made sure that he provided the very best service, which is testament to the longevity of the business,” she said.
Ms Levkov said she remembers her father as a kind and positive person who always saw the best in everyone.
“My father had an excellent sense of humour and was always in good spirits. He was a dedicated husband and a father. My parents were married for 50 years and they were partners in everything they did. He was a loving father who made time to support and encourage us.”
Ms Levkov said her father was the patriarch of the family and there was a huge void in their lives after he was murdered. Mr Jankulovski had five grandchildren when he died and even at the age of 77, he was still very active and played soccer with them regularly.
“Life for our family is not the same since the passing of my father. His death was sudden, brutal and tragic and it will haunt us forever. He was looking forward to seeing his grandchildren grow into adults and to celebrate their weddings – this is something he will never see,” said Ms Levkov.
Ms Levkov said the trial was difficult for her family because it took about four years and four months to sentence the men who killed her father.
“Now finally, with the conviction, we have closure. However, the pain and sadness will always be there,” she said.
Detective Constable Sipho Mahlangu said he was glad the criminals were now behind bars.
“It is a great feeling to see justice being served. The case dragged for a long time, but to finally taste victory is amazing. I am happy that Mr Jankulovski’s family will now find closure,” he said.
The Bedfordview SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Mduduzi Nhlabathi, said the station is proud of the quality of investigation displayed by Const Mahlangu.
“We will continue to work around the clock to make sure criminals like these are removed from our streets and locked away,” said Sgt Nhlabathi.
Sgt Nhlabathi said the magistrate ordered that after serving their sentence, Mathebula and Malinga, Mozambican nationals, be deported to their home country.
