Three get life for murder of two girls in Centurion

The Pretoria High Court has sentenced three Zimbabwean nationals, found to be in the country illegally to two life terms each for the murder of two Olievenhoutbosch girls.

The trio Edison Ngamiko (38), Amos Hassan Masiya (38), and Edron Panashe Chisanako (39), were further sentenced to 10 years in prison each for attempted murder and 12 months for being in the country illegally.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the charges arose from a tragic incident on February 17, 2023.

Mahanjana said the trio were approached by three girls aged 15, 16, and 23 at Mashanganeng Tavern in Olievenhoutbosch.

“The girls requested money from the trio to purchase alcohol, and the men initially provided them with R40.”

She added that when the girls asked for an additional R20 to pay a male companion who would accompany them home, the accused complied, bringing the total amount given to R60.

“Later that night, as the girls were leaving the tavern, the accused accompanied them.”

Mahanjana said when they reached Mamello Street, Chisanako demanded sexual favours from the 15-year-old.

“When the girl refused and the 16-year-old reprimanded him, Chisanako shot the 16-year-old in the neck, resulting in her immediate collapse.”

She said he then shot the other two girls multiple times, leading to their deaths at the scene.

“A shot during the chaos hit Ngamiko accidentally. Upon realising the 16-year-old was still alive, Ngamiko attempted to finish the job, but the firearm had run out of bullets, thereafter they fled the scene.”

According to Mahanjana, the surviving victim crawled home and reported the incident. Police discovered the two bodies during a patrol of the area that same night.

She said their investigation led to Ngamiko’s arrest three days later, on February 20, while he was receiving treatment for his gunshot wound.

“Masiya was arrested on October 9 on unrelated charges but was later linked to the murder. After, he identified Chisanako, who was apprehended the next day on October 10,” said Mahanjana.

During the trial, all three pleaded not guilty, with Ngamiko and Masiya acknowledging the incident but claiming that Chisanako was the one who committed the offence.

Mahanjana said Chisanako denied being present that day.

“However, Prosecutor Advocate David Molokomme successfully presented compelling evidence, including witness testimonies, that established the trio’s common purpose in committing the crimes.”

Mahanjana added that during sentencing, the defence sought leniency, appealing to the court to consider their family responsibilities in Zimbabwe.

“However, Molokomme argued firmly for life sentences, reflecting the serious nature of the offences and the lasting impact on the victims’ families.”

Mahanjana said Molokomme emphasised the defendants’ lack of remorse and their previous convictions for violent crimes, including robbery and housebreaking.

“He highlighted the significant emotional trauma inflicted, supported by a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) facilitated by the Court Preparation Officer Legobang Lebese. The VIS revealed the lasting psychological effects on the surviving victim where the victim indicated that she still has flashbacks of the day of the incident and still experiences pain where she was shot.”

Mahanjana said the Acting Judge, upon reviewing the evidence and arguments, agreed with the State’s position, noting the lack of remorse and the brutal nature of the act.

“He noted that the three men, while seeking a better life in South Africa, instead chose a path of violence and disrespect for the law.”

She said moreover, it was the responsibility of the court to protect society from such acts of violence, emphasising that illegal immigrants must respect the laws of South Africa.

“Therefore, the Acting Judge found no substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentences.”

The NPA welcomed the sentencing considering it a crucial step towards justice.

“The NPA hopes that this case serves as a strong reminder that violent crimes will not be tolerated and reinforces the organisation’s commitment to combatting gender-based violence and protecting the safety of all citizens.”

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