He was emotionless when Magistrate Abdul Khan handed down his sentence in Room B of the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court, today 28 January.

Blue light brigade driver Joseph Semitjie who knocked Mindalore resident Thomas Ferreira off his motorcycle about four years ago was sentenced to five years in prison.

During the sentencing, which was attended by Ferreira’s family, Khan said Semitjie can apply for parole after ten months in prison. Ferreira did not attend the court proceedings.

During the court proceedings, Khan said although the Ferreira family has forgiven him, he is still not convinced that Semitjie is showing any remorse.

Semitjie was convicted on four charges in 2013 which includes reckless and negligent driving, and that he did not provide to the victim.

Ferreira’s sister Danielle, 19, who was at the proceeding for the first time today because she previously had school obligations said she and her brother no longer have the relationship they used to have.

“I get the feeling that he is jealous of me and my life. This is understandable, because here I am leading a normal life, going out with friends, and he can not do any of this.”

Khan said the accident caused permanent brain damage which makes Ferreira consistently moody. This means that he will never have a steady job or a relationship.

After the sentencing, Ferreira’s parents Priscilla and Paul said they are still unsure if they were happy with the outcome, but they are pleased that it is a chapter in their lives that is now closed.

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