Stainer’s murderers finally convicted
SIYABONGA Nyanisa and Siboniso Ngcoya, who shot and killed Errol Stainer (67), in a brutal hijacking outside Patrite Superette in Underwood Road, Sarnia on 24 August 2012, appeared at the Durban High Court on Wednesday 28 May to be sentenced, however the case had been adjourned to 6 and 7 August pending mitigation.
According to Judge Ayanda, the accused’s legal representatives want to mitigate the crime after their clients were convicted for murder and armed robbery at the Durban High Court on Thursday 10 April.
Bruce Johnson, who was one of the witnesses subpoenaed to court said despite the adjournment once again, he is positive that these ruthless murderers will get what they deserve.
“No excuse can justify the way they killed a 67-year-old man. I will be there at the sentencing in August to support Errol’s family and to make sure these criminals are brought to book,” said Johnson.
Video surveillance footage screened during the trail showed Errol parked his white Opel Corsa, went into Patrite Superette to buy a newspaper, and when he came out of the shop, he was surrounded by three men, one armed with a gun and wearing a blue hoodie. Errol put his hands up to surrender but was shot twice in the stomach and fell behind the back tyre of his Corsa.
The attackers jumped into the car, and in their attempt to flee, they drove and reversed over Errol’s body several times before mounting a pavement, bursting a tyre and then speeding off. Neighbourhood watches in the Highway area were alerted of the hijacking and responded immediately.
Along with Metro and the SAPS dog units, they sealed off possible escape routes. The Corsa was found parked on a grass patch on Maurice Nichols Road. One of the attackers (Nyanisa) ran across the M13 and was stopped in his tracks when he ran in front of a vehicle. He was arrested and taken to hospital.
The second attacker, Ngcoya, was caught in Clermont. He was wounded in a shootout with police. The third attacker was arrested in Richmond, but he was dismissed after the case went to trial.
Errol’s wife, Jenny, said the adjournment is just a sign of procrastination from the judicial system.
“These senseless murderers should have been sentenced already. This trail has caused my children and I so much of pain. I don’t know why the courts are prolonging the trail when they have already been convicted. The two accused should just be given life sentences,” said Jenny.
