Double life sentence for cop killer
2011-09-01 21:49
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Bloemfontein - One of the men who raped and killed Free State police reservist Amelia Henning was handed two life sentences in jail by the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein on Thursday.
Seanette Mashinini, 23, got one life term each for the rape and murder of Henning.
His accomplice, Lucky Nkgwedi, 19, was sentenced to 25 years in jail for the murder, and 20 years for the rape.
In addition, both men were sentenced to 15 and seven years behind bars respectively on a charge of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
A third accused, Thabo Mokoena, 18, was earlier declared a patient of the State President.
The three overpowered Henning, an administrative clerk at the Mangaung police office, near her home in Hospitaalpark in November 2010, and repeatedly raped and stabbed her.
Evidence showed the men tried to cut her eyes out after the attack.
Acting Judge EM Kubushi said rape, murder and robbery had become too prevalent in society.
"Women are regular victims and are no longer free to walk streets when they want."
Kubushi said women were now more vulnerable than ever before.
"The question is has this become an acceptable norm?"
She said evidence indicated Henning was stabbed 44 times, and with such force that she had a cracked rib. She was dragged into a field after the initial attack with the knife, to be raped. Kubushi said the victim must have been traumatised.
"This attack was gruesome, ghastly and disgusting.”
Evidence indicated Henning was already dead when the men tried to cut her eyes out.
"She was dead by then. Why take out her eyes?" Kubushi asked.
The men had shown no remorse, she said.
Addressing Mashinini, Kubushi said his previous convictions indicated he had been involved in violence and spent time in jail.
“You have shown no desire to be rehabilitated.”
- SAPA
