CHARL Ferreira (30) of Margate died after being stabbed in the upper body and face in May last year.
He was found dead near a tavern in Seaslopes in Margate Extension 3.
His wallet, which contained his ID and bank cards, had been stolen
The man charged with his murder was 28-year-old, Sibusiso Mdubeki, who was last week sentenced to four years’ imprisonment by the Port Shepstone Regional Court.
The court found it to be a ‘competent verdict’ to the murder charge, finding that Mdubeki had no intention to kill and that the murder was due to negligence.
Charl’s mother, Barbara Ferreira, is deeply saddened by what she feels is an inadequate sentence.
“I have seen a similar trend with different cases in the last couple of months, so it came as no surprise to me. Life seems so cheap and people just get a slap on the wrist. We need longer and harsher sentences, so people may think twice before doing something wrong,” she said.
She said her son helped everyone in the community and was missed by all.
“I am terribly sad that a misunderstanding and overreaction over a bottle of beer caused the death of my son and ruined the life of another,” she added.
Charl’s, brother Rory (37) said Charl was a ‘special needs’ person who had an infectious personality and made friends wherever he went.
“Everyone that met and knew him loved him. He was incredibly helpful and would always be there to help no matter what was required and expected of him. Charl was skilled at building, tiling and doing any kind of manual labour. He was absolutely amazing with animals too. I am proud to have had him as a brother and will always cherish our memories,” said Rory.
