A 28-year-old Dieplsoot man, Edson Moyo, was found guilty of murder and attempted murder by the Randburg Magistrates’ Court.
In handing down judgment, Magistrate Theolopsy Leshabane said the state had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt that the accused had stabbed the deceased to death and also attempted to kill another person with a knife.
Leshabane said the court dismissed his claim that he was the victim after he said he had been attacked by community members on the day in question for reasons unknown to him.
The magistrate said the court could not accept his version, as he, among other things, failed to back his claims with any evidence. He didn’t even bring any witnesses.
Leshabane said the accused’s version was highly improbable. He added that the state had brought five witnesses to court, who were all credible, unbiased and honest people.
Among the witnesses, the magistrate mentioned that the state brought Zandi Mkhize who was with the deceased when she was stabbed by Moyo. The magistrate said Mkhize was an honest and reliable witness who at no time tried to exaggerate facts.
“At some point, the complainant [for attempted murder] said he was stabbed three times but she [Mkize] maintained that she only saw you stab the victim once,” Leshabane pointed out.
According to evidence, Moyo was involved in a fight with the attempted murder victim. He stabbed him in his ribs and ran away. As he was running away, he stabbed the deceased below her breast and continued to run away. Mkhize was standing with the deceased as they were bystanders watching the fight between the accused and the complainant.
The magistrate said no state witnesses had any motive to implicate him, adding that this could not have been a case of mistaken identity because visibility was not a problem as the incident took place during the day.
All parties involved were neighbours and knew each other well. “All witnesses maintained that you were a quiet and respectful young man. You only had problems when drunk.”
The case has been remanded for sentencing.
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