Yesterday, two men were sentenced to life imprisonment for murder by the Madadeni High Court. Sthembiso Domoyi Shoba(30) was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, ten years for attempted murder and 15 years for robbery. Sabelo Abel Shoba (29) was sentenced to life for murder, 15 years for attempted murder and robbery. The third suspect is still at large and police are confident that he will still be arrested to face crimes he allegedly committed in 2016.
It is alleged on 13 May 2016, pensioner Frieder Johannes Filter (77) was with his family at Brainsweight Farm in Paulpietersburg, when they were approached by armed assailants who were in possession of firearms and knives. Filter was shot dead during the robbery and as the suspects fled the scene they met a farm worker outside and shot him to his both legs. The farm worker sustained gunshot wounds and was taken to hospital for treatment. His cellphone was taken by the accused before they fled the scene on foot. Nothing was taken from the house. Charges of murder, attempted murder and robbery were opened at Paulpietersburg police station.
Six days later, Sthembiso Shoba and Sabelo Shoba were arrested at Paulpietersburg following an intensive investigation. They were charged with murder, attempted murder and robbery.