Man accused of murdering former Swallows player Alfred Helepi gets 20 years

The man accused of murdering former Moroka Swallows player, 71-year-old Alfred “Chencha” Helepi, has been handed a 20-year sentence for murder in the Bloemfontein High Court, reports Bloemfontein Courant.

Thirty-six-year-old Banzini Gxamza was found guilty of Helepi’s murder, which occurred three years ago at his business premises.

Helepi and his workers were confronted by an armed group, who robbed them of an undisclosed amount of money, a firearm as well as his vehicle. Helepi was fatally shot during the robbery and he succumbed to his injuries. His vehicle was found abandoned in Phelindaba in Mangaung, Bloemfontein.

Gxamza was convicted and sentenced by the High Court yesterday and faces 20 years for murder and 15 years for armed robbery, which will run concurrently. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Meanwhile, police spokesperson, Warrant-Officer Lynda Steyn, added that three suspects aged between 29 and 42 are expected to appear at the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday for the alleged possession of an unlicensed firearm and suspected precious metals.

“It is alleged on Monday the Public Order Police Unit, with the assistance of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Unit, received information regarding firearms. They searched the residence of one of the suspects and discovered a bag of platinum as well as an unlicensed firearm,” she said.

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