Model gets life for murder
2009-09-23 09:52
Bloemfontein - A male model and former Mr Thabong has been given a life sentence and a further 15 years for the murder of a teacher and musician.
Joachim Marthinus (Jogie) van Tonder, 35, was murdered in his flat in Welkom on April 1, 2008.
Bonginkosi Goodenough Khoza, 29, stared vacantly in front of him while Judge MB Molemela delivered the sentence on Tuesday.
He then sat down in the dock and cried, covering his face with his hands. Earlier this week he was found guilty of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Escape
There was a strong police presence during Khoza's appearance on Tuesday, probably because he had previously escaped from the court in Welkom by hitting a police officer with his head.
During sentencing Molemela described Khoza's actions as cruel.
"The community often speaks out against the high occurrence of serious crimes. The court must send a message to criminals - crime will not be tolerated. The message is simple: Crime does not pay."
She said Khoza's motive for the crimes had simply been greed, and that he never really showed remorse.
Khoza's application to appeal against the guilty verdict was refused, but his application to appeal the sentence was granted.
Further charges
Shortly after the court proceedings, the police laid an escape charge against Khoza for escaping from the Welkom court building shortly after his first court appearance last year.
Khoza will appear in court in Cape Town next month for the murder of Charles Vergotine, 35, whose body was found in his flat in Green Point on March 13.
He had been seriously assaulted and died as a result of head injuries.