LIMPOPO – The Polokwane High Court has sentenced 29-year-old Christopher Mgiba to life imprisonment for the murders of Annika Claasen (76) and Hendrik Claasen (77), owners of a business near the Echo Caves tourist attraction in the Sekhukhune District.

The court heard that in September 2022, Mgiba broke into the Claasens’ property, stealing safe keys, a register, and cash valued at R13 000.

He then fled and remained in hiding for almost a year. In June 2023, he returned, intending to commit another robbery. During the attack, he used a sharp object to kill both victims and set fire to parts of the property.

Police opened cases of housebreaking, murder, attempted murder, arson, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and theft.

Following intensive investigations, officers traced Mgiba to Tembisa in Ivory Park, Gauteng, where he was arrested. He was denied bail until the trial concluded.

On Wednesday (August 27), the court convicted and sentenced Mgiba as follows:

• Count 1: Housebreaking – 8 years

• Count 2: Attempted murder – 5 years

• Count 3: Murder – life imprisonment

• Count 4: Murder – life imprisonment

• Count 5: Arson – 10 years

• Count 6: Assault GBH – 10 years

• Count 7: Theft – 8 years

• Count 9: Additional charge – 3 years

The court ruled that all sentences except for Count 3 will run concurrently with the life imprisonment term.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the outcome, praising Warrant Officer Justice Mogotla Mantswane and the entire investigative team for their meticulous work in ensuring justice for the victims and their families.