Murderers smile at sentence

2008-04-18 07:35

Carryn-Ann Nel

Cape Town - Two murderers smiled at each other on Thursday after a judge effectively sentenced each of them to 18 years' imprisonment for their "uncontrolled, animal behaviour" when they murdered a woman from Malmesbury.

Judge Deon van Zyl ruled in Cape Town High Court on Thursday that there were substantial and compelling circumstances in the cases of Colin Maarman, 23, and Elton Josephs, 22, for him not to sentence them to life imprisonment.

The two were found guilty on Tuesday on charges of murder, house breaking with the intent to commit a crime and robbery with aggravating circumstances for attacking and murdering Engela Groenewald, 57, in her flat.

A friend of hers discovered her body in the flat on December 24 2004.

Groenewald had 31 stab wounds and three of her fingers also had been cut off.

During sentencing, Judge Van Zyl labelled the murder as "cruel and barbaric".

The circumstances were worsened by the fact that Groenewald's only child was told of her mother's death on the day before Christmas.

At least 12 wounds were fatal

"What should have been a joyful and auspicious time suddenly changed into one of disgust and unimaginable loss."

"At least 12 of the stab wounds were fatal.

"But, still they continued their uncontrolled, animal behaviour.

"The way in which they cut off her fingers simply to get to her rings and tearing her earlobe from removing her earring were the height of disgust.

"And, all this for a few items which wouldn't bring them much."

Judge Van Zyl said he believed, however, that both men could be rehabilitated and should be given the opportunity to receive the necessary guidance so that one day when they were released, they could become useful citizens in society.

- Die Burger