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Brutal attackers get 20 years
04/12/2007 21:02 - (SA)
Grahamstown - Two men who robbed and beat an elderly widow with a sjambok have been sentenced to 20 years each by the Grahamstown High Court.
In sentencing Khayalethu Harmaans, 23, and David Hanabe, 32, of Kirkwood, on Monday Judge Elna Revelas described the crime "as one of extraordinary brutality and malevolent violence".
The two were found guilty last week, of breaking into the farmhouse home of Joan Schonken, 72, of Kopkrap Farm, Kirkwood, on November 19, last year, and stealing R88 000 worth of household goods, including her 2.4 litre Toyota Cressida.
Addressing the two as they stood in the dock, Revelas said the accused had no respect for the life of Schonken, who nearly died as a result of the injuries they had caused her.
"This elderly woman who lived alone suffered extraordinary brutality at your hands. She was kicked, beaten and hacked with a sjambok. The hatred, with which you attacked her, is unexplained.
"She (Schonken) was deeply humiliated. Your actions have become the hallmark of the malevolent violence of home attacks in this country."
'No remorse'
Revelas said that Schonken was brutally beaten to such an extent that her survival was considered to be a miracle by those that treated her, and stabilised her condition.
She said Schonken had suffered a fractured skull, a dislocated shoulder, as well as numerous linear welts from the sjambok, on her face and upper body.
She said on the evidence of Schonken herself, "both men had participated enthusiastically in the assaults".
"This was a planned and premeditated crime ... marked by extraordinary brutality on a frail old woman, and you have shown no remorse."
Revelas said both Hanabe and Harmaans had "long criminal careers, particularly when it came to housebreaking with intent to steal and theft".
Neither of the two men showed any apparent reaction on hearing their fate.
- SAPA
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