ILLEGAL ZIMBABWEAN NATIONAL SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER

Lumka Mahanjana
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Gauteng Division Pretoria photo by Dimakatso Modipa

By Lumka Mahanjana
NPA Regional Spokesperson

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence handed down by the Pretoria North Magistrates’ Court, where Leonard Khoza (42) was sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of fellow Zimbabwean national, Aluwisi Verengere.

He was further sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for contravening immigration laws by being in the country illegally.

The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently and that Khoza be deported to his country of origin upon completion of his sentence.

On the evening of 04 February 2023, the deceased and a group of other Zimbabwean nationals were gathered behind Virgin Active in Wonderboom, where some were playing cards while others were consuming alcohol.

During this time, Verengere realised that his cellphone was missing and requested search those who were with him.

While some individuals consented to being searched, Khoza and his two brothers refused.

Following their refusal, Verengere indicated that he would consult a traditional healer to identify and bewitch the person responsible for taking his phone.

This led to an altercation between Khoza and the deceased.

During the altercation, Khoza picked up a stone and threw it at Verengere, striking him on the head.

The deceased collapsed and was later declared dead at the scene.

Following police investigations, Khoza was arrested on 04 August 2023, approximately five months after the incident, and has remained in custody since.

In court, Khoza pleaded not guilty and denied committing the offence, claiming that he was not in South Africa at the time.

However, Regional Court Prosecutor Lufuno Manena led the evidence of two eyewitnesses who were present at the scene, successfully proving the State’s case beyond a reasonable doubt.

During sentencing, the defence requested the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, citing that Khoza is a first offender.

The State opposed this request, arguing that the offence was serious and that Khoza had shown no remorse, as he continued to deny responsibility even after conviction.

Magistrate Pieter Nel agreed with the State, finding that Khoza had demonstrated no remorse and that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence.

The court accordingly imposed the sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment.