Two men accused of house robbery and murder were brought to book and sentenced to 187 years imprisonment as well as two life sentences.
The suspects, Tabang Biyela and Spamandla Radebe were found guilty on 14 counts, including the murder of 61-year-old Annetjie Smit, and the attempted murder of a frail 89-year-old woman and a two-year-old toddler.
The court proceedings took place on 23 June 2016, at the Palm Ridge High Court. Maro Christofourou prosecuted on behalf of the state.
Captain Appel Ernst, spokesperson for the Randfontein Police said the suspects are repeat offenders who are currently serving jail sentences for other robberies in the larger Gauteng area.
Biyela and Radebe committed the Randfontein crimes on 2 May 2014, when they attacked the late Annetjie Smit and the other victims in their home on Nightingale Street, Greenhills, according to Ernst.
The suspects bludgeoned Smit to death, assaulted the frail elderly woman and gagged the toddler. They later took various items from the house.
The investigating officer, Warrant Officer Santie le Roux-Laufs received assistance from Colonel Matabane and Colonel Phangiso of the Provincial Investigating Team. Their investigation led them to Biyela and Radebe.
Le Roux-Laufs was congratulated on the outcome of the case by the Acting Randfontein Station Commander, Colonel Tshidi Filita, who said, “You have ensured that justice is served for those who could not speak for themselves.”
Want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us an SMS/ WhatsApp message with your name and cellphone number to 079 413 8726.
Familiarise yourself with our WhatsApp service disclaimer.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Roodepoort Record, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
