Limpopo – A 32-year-old man, Christopher Mgiba from Mokutung Village was yesterday convicted and sentenced to a two life imprisonment by the Polokwane High Court for murder of his former employers and setting their residence ablaze with their bodies inside to conceal his crime.
An additional 46 years was for a string of serious offences including housebreaking, murder, attempted robbery,, arson, theft and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The court ordered that sentences run concurrently with the life sentence imposed for murder, resulting in an effective sentence of life imprisonment.
Mgiba pleaded not guilty to all charges. However, the State, led by Advocate Calvin Chauke, presented compelling testimony.
Evidence revealed that the accused was previously employed by the late Annah Maria Claassen at Echo Caves in Ohrigstad.
His employment with the elderly couple was terminated in September 2022 after he stole a safe key and stole an amount of R10 000 in cash.
Mgiba returned to Echo Caves in June 2023 and lay in wait for his former employer, Annah Maria Claassen (70) together with her husband, Hendrick Gerhardus Claassen (75) .
Upon Annah’s arrival, he followed her into the house, pushed her to the ground, and brutally assaulted her until she succumbed to her injuries.
He then attempted to open the safe with the stolen key, which broke after the locks had been changed. To conceal his crime, the accused set the house on fire with Annah’s body inside. He thereafter proceeded to Hendrick’s residence, where he also attacked and killed him before setting his house ablaze. Mgiba was later arrested following a thorough police investigation.
“In aggravation of sentence, Advocate Bongani Chauke argued that Mgiba showed no remorse, had premeditated the crimes six months in advance, and targeted a vulnerable elderly couple aged 70 and 75. “The victims were his former employers who trusted him. His conduct demonstrates cruelty, betrayal, and a complete disregard for human life. He is not a candidate for rehabilitation, and no substantial or compelling circumstances justify a lesser sentence,” Chauke told the court.
The Director of National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Ivy Thenga welcomed the sentence. “It can never be overemphasised how important human life is. We will continue to vigorously pursue these cases to serve as a deterrent to would-be murderers,” said Advocate Thenga.
