Pretoria – The Pretoria High Court has handed down life sentences to three Zimbabwean nationals, Edison Ngamiko (38), Amos Hassan Masiya (38), and Edron Panashe Chisanako (39), for the double murder of two young women.
The trio were also sentenced to an additional 10 years imprisonment for attempted murder and a further 12 months for being in the country illegally.
The horrific incident unfolded on 17 February 2023 at the Mashanganeng Tavern in Olievenhoutbosch. Three young women, aged 15, 16, and 23, approached the three men, initially requesting R40 for alcohol. After receiving an additional R20 to pay a male companion, the accused accompanied the girls as they left the tavern.
Tragedy struck on Mamello Street. Chisanako demanded sexual favours from the 15-year-old. When she refused and the 16-year-old intervened, Chisanako opened fire, fatally wounding the 16-year-old. He then shot the other two girls, killing them at the scene.
In the ensuing chaos, Ngamiko was accidentally shot. Despite the 16-year-old still being alive, Ngamiko attempted to finish her off, but his firearm was empty. The three men then fled.
The surviving 15-year-old girl managed to crawl home and report the incident. Police, patrolling the area that night, discovered the bodies of the two deceased women.
The police investigation led to Ngamiko’s arrest three days later, on 20 February 2023, while he was receiving treatment for his gunshot wound. Masiya was arrested on 9 October 2023 on unrelated charges, but he was later linked to the murders. This led to the arrest of Chisanako the following day, on 10 October 2023.
Throughout the trial, all three accused pleaded not guilty. Ngamiko and Masiya admitted to being present at the scene but claimed Chisanako was solely responsible. Chisanako denied even being present. However, Prosecutor Advocate David Molokomme presented compelling evidence, including witness testimony, proving their shared responsibility for the crimes.
During sentencing, the defence pleaded for leniency, citing the accused men’s family responsibilities in Zimbabwe. However, Advocate Molokomme strongly argued for life sentences, emphasising the brutality of the crime and its devastating impact on the victims’ families. He highlighted the accused men’s lack of remorse and their prior convictions for violent crimes, including robbery and housebreaking.
A Victim Impact Statement (VIS), facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Legobang Lebese, detailed the lasting psychological trauma suffered by the surviving victim. The VIS revealed that she continues to experience flashbacks and pain from the gunshot wound.
Acting Judge Matlapeng, considering the evidence and arguments, agreed with the State’s position. He noted the brutal nature of the crime and the lack of remorse shown by the accused. He stated that the three men, seeking a better life in South Africa, chose violence and lawlessness instead.
He stressed the court’s responsibility to protect society and the need for all, including illegal immigrants, to respect South African law. He found no compelling circumstances to justify a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentences.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentences, viewing them as a significant step towards justice. The life sentences send a strong message about the consequences of violent crime in South Africa, regardless of the perpetrators’ immigration status.
