Online Reporter
Beitbridge Bureau
A 42-year-old Zimbabwean man has been jailed for an effective 15 years’ imprisonment by a Pretoria Magistrate court for killing a fellow countryman at a gambling spot in South Africa.
South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Ms Lumka Mahanjana confirmed the sentence in a statement.
“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence handed down by the Pretoria North Magistrates’ Court, where Leonard Khoza (42) was sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of fellow Zimbabwean national, Aluwisi Verengere,” she said.
Ms Mahanjana said the Khoza was further sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for contravening Immigration laws by being in South Africa illegally.
She said the court ordered that the sentences run concurrently and that Khoza be deported to his country of origin upon completion of his sentence.
“On the evening February 3 in 2023, the deceased and a group of other Zimbabwean nationals were gathered behind Virgin Active in Wonderboom, where some were playing cards while others were consuming alcohol,” said Ms Mahanjana.
“During this time, Verengere realised that his cell phone was missing and requested to search those who were with him. While some individuals consented to being searched, Khoza and his two brothers refused.
“Following their refusal, Verengere indicated that he would consult a traditional healer to identify and bewitch the person responsible for taking his phone. This led to an altercation between Khoza and the deceased”.
She said during the altercation, Khoza picked up a stone and threw it at Verengere, striking him on the head.
The deceased collapsed and was later declared dead at the scene and Khoza was arrested following police investigations.
In court, she said, Khoza denied the charges but was convicted on the strength of the State evidence.
“He denied committing the offence, claiming that he was not in South Africa at the time. However, Regional Court Prosecutor Lufuno Manena led the evidence of two eyewitnesses who were present at the scene, successfully proving the State’s case beyond a reasonable doubt,” said the official.
“During sentencing, the defence requested the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, citing that Khoza is a first offender.
“The State opposed this request, arguing that the offence was serious and that Khoza had shown no remorse, as he continued to deny responsibility even after conviction”.
She said the presiding Magistrate Mr Pieter Nel agreed with the State’ findings that Khoza had demonstrated no remorse and that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence.
“The court accordingly imposed the sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment,” she said.
