Breyten court sentences killer of internationally renowned angler
The murder of renowned angler John Wickham shocked South Africa’s fishing community and ended in a lengthy prison sentence.
BREYTEN – The Mpumalanga High Court sitting in Breyten sentenced Mozambican national James Cumalo (32) to life imprisonment plus an additional 38 years for the murder of renowned angler John Wickham during a robbery in Dullstroom in November 2023.
Wickham, from eMalahleni, was deputy president of the South African Bass Angling Association and widely respected in the angling community.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, Cumalo travelled from Pretoria intending to commit robbery at a guesthouse where Wickham and family friend Craig Fraser were staying.
He forced his way into their room, demanded valuables and fatally shot Wickham when the victims resisted.
Wickham was reportedly shot three times and attempted to chase after the attackers before collapsing from severe bleeding.
Cumalo fled with stolen items and was later arrested after police found him in possession of the deceased’s cellphone.
Investigations also confirmed he was unlawfully in South Africa.
Read more about Fraser’s attempts to save Wickham’s life and sentencing proceedings in Highvelder’s printed edition.
