Two men sentenced to 25 years for murder of elderly employer
Two Carolina men have been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the murder of their employer, Magdalene Johanna Coetzee (74).
CAROLINA – The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court recently sentenced Andile Sibusiso Shongwe (26) and Muzi Mandoza Jele (29) to 25 years’ direct imprisonment for murdering their employer, Magdalene Johanna Coetzee (74).
The two men were also convicted of robbery with aggravating circumstances. The court ordered that their 15-year sentences for robbery run concurrently with the 25-year sentences for murder.
The court heard that on October 13, 2024, the accused went to Coetzee’s residence in Hugo Street. Upon arrival, they attacked and suffocated her to death. They then ransacked the house and fled with her cellphone and other belongings.
A neighbour became concerned after not seeing Coetzee for some time and went to check on her.
After gaining access to the property, the neighbour discovered her body inside the house and alerted the police.
According to Monica Nyuswa, the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) provincial spokesperson, the accused were found a few days later while attempting to sell Coetzee’s laptop.
After they failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding its origin, they were arrested.
During the trial, both accused pleaded not guilty.
The State, led by Senior State Advocate Mkhuseli Ntaba and assisted by Advocate Natalie Msibi, presented evidence from several witnesses, including the neighbour, the buyer of the laptop, and the investigating officer.
The court found the State’s witnesses credible. A post-mortem report confirmed that Coetzee died of suffocation.
“In aggravation of sentence, the State submitted that the accused had breached a position of trust, having been employed by the deceased for about seven years. The court also heard that the accused showed no remorse and demonstrated poor prospects for rehabilitation,” Nyuswa said.
A Victim Impact Statement compiled on behalf of the deceased’s family highlighted the profound emotional and social impact of her death on both her family and the Carolina community.
The accused were also declared unfit to possess firearms and their application for leave to appeal the sentence was dismissed.
“The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting serious crimes and ensuring accountability, particularly in cases involving the abuse of trust and violence against vulnerable persons,” Nyuswa concluded.
