Gang member gets life for shooting man in friend’s backyard
During his plea bargain, Maroga pleaded not guilty to the charges, saying that his co-accused, who has since died, shot and killed Appels.
A notorious gang member was sentenced to life and 12 years direct imprisonment by the Pretoria High Court on Monday.
Oscar Maroga (29) was convicted of the murder of Addry Simon Appels as well as attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Appels and a friend were standing around in the friend’s yard in Eersterust when Morago and his accomplice entered the yard and started shooting at them, according to NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahajane.
The attack, which happened on September 2, 2021, resulted in Appels’ death upon arrival at the hospital.
Maroga was arrested on September 8 but was later released on bail in December of that year.
According to Mahajane, Maroga was arrested again on July 12, 2022, for being in possession of an unlawful firearm.
During his plea bargain, Maroga pleaded not guilty to the charges, saying that his co-accused, who has since died, shot and killed Appels.
Maroga also pleaded with the court to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence and impose a sentence of 20 years since he has already spent some time in custody.
In his argument state prosecutor, Advocate Mokautu Masilo reminded the court that the time spent in custody was his own doing.
Masilo further reminded the court that Maroga decided to engage in other criminal activities while he was out on bail.
He also told the court that Maroga showed no remorse for his actions.
Furthermore, Masilo asked Judge Thokozile Masipa to impose a harsher sentence of life imprisonment.
In his sentencing, Judge Masipa agreed with the state that Maroga did not express any remorse by testifying in mitigation or asking for forgiveness.
The manner in which the crimes were committed also showed that Maroga had no respect for human life.
In addition, the judge said Maroga confessed to being a drug user who stayed in a house where drugs were sold.
He, therefore, hoped the sentence given will give Maroga a chance to be a changed person who respects the law.
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