Two men have been sentenced to life in prison for killing the beloved father and husband, Marius du Toit two years ago.
Du Toit, 48, was shot and killed in his home in Culemborg Park early on Easter Sunday (5 April) in 2015.
Read the initial article here: Easter Sunday murder: Victim shot dead in front of son
Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police spokesperson, said at the time that four men had overpowered the family and shot and killed Du Toit in the presence of his son, who was 15 years old at the time. Du Toit’s brother-in-law was also injured during the home invasion.
In September 2015, Lieutenant Colonel Gert Kruger and the Krugersdorp Cluster Trio Task Team arrested five suspects. One suspect was found to be in possession of one of the stolen cellphones, but could not be linked to the murder or the robbery, so he was released by the court.
On 31 July this year, the four remaining suspects between the ages of 28 and 38 appeared in the South Gauteng High Court for the first time, although they had appeared in the Kagiso Magistrates’ Court on several occasions between September 2015 and July 2017 in connection with the case.
Also Read: Easter Sunday murder update: ‘Life is difficult without him’
During the hearing from 2 to 7 August this year, Du Toit’s wife, Gerda Havenga and their son had to testify about what had happened on that tragic morning. (Read the Herald’s 13 October edition for an exclusive interview with Havenga.)
On Thursday, 5 October 2017, judgement was handed down.
Only two of the men were found guilty of murdering Du Toit and were sentenced to life imprisonment. The two other accused did, however, along with the first two men receive jail terms for numerous offences.
Accused 1 was found guilty on two counts:
• He assaulted and robbed two people in Mohlakeng. The court found aggravating circumstances and imposed a 15-years prison sentence. • He pointed what could have been regarded as a deadly weapon, and was handed down a three-years prison sentence.
The crimes were committed between 20 and 24 December 2015. The two sentences are to be served concurrently.
Accused 2 was found guilty on five counts:
• He broke open and entered Havenga’s residence with the intent to commit robbery, and was sentenced to five years. • He assaulted the occupants of the house and used force to rob them. The court found aggravating circumstances and imposed a 15-years prison sentence. • He killed Du Toit, for which he was sentenced to life imprisonment. • He was in possession of an unlicensed 7.65mm firearm, for which he was sentenced to five years in prison. • He was in the illegal possession of 7,65mm ammunition, for which he was sentenced to two years.
The sentences are to be served concurrently.
Accused 3 was found guilty on eight counts:
• He broke open and entered Havenga’s residence with the intent to commit robbery, and was sentenced to five years. • He assaulted the occupants of the house and used force to rob them. The court found aggravating circumstances and imposed a 15-years prison sentence. • He killed Du Toit, for which he was sentenced to life imprisonment. • He was in possession of an unlicensed 7.65mm firearm, for which he was sentenced to five years in prison. • He was in the illegal possession of 7.65mm ammunition and sentenced to two years.
In late September 2015: • He was in the illegal possession of 4 x .22 LR calibre cartridges near Mohlakeng, for which he was sentenced to two years.
Between 20 and 24 December 2015: • He assaulted and robbed two people in Mohlakeng. The court found aggravating circumstances and imposed a 15-years prison sentence. • He pointed what could have been regarded as a deadly weapon, and was handed down a three-years prison sentence.
The sentences are to be served concurrently.
Accused 4 was found guilty on two counts:
In early March 2015: • He assaulted and robbed employees and customers of Netto Rama Restaurant, and stole the restaurant’s property. The court found aggravating circumstances and imposed a 15-years prison sentence. • He was in possession of an unlicensed firearm, for which he was sentenced to five years in prison.
The sentences are to be served concurrently.
Accused 1 to 3 are to apply for leave to appeal their sentences.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
