WARNING: This article contains graphic content that may upset sensitive readers.

BENONI – Three brothers and their mother were sentenced to prison on September 25 in the Benoni Circuit High Court. In 2021, they assaulted a man from Leeuhof in Vereeniging so severely that he later died from his injuries.

Raymond Metz (24), his mother Lindi Falch (47), and brothers Shane Metz (27) and Simon Anton ‘Babatjie’ Metz (21) were convicted in April 2024 for the murder of Benjamin Lotz (52). They confronted Lotz at his home on the night of November 22, 2021, following an argument over loud music.

The confrontation arose after Lotz had earlier assaulted Raymond and his friend Estifaan Delport during a dispute.

The sentencing continued Thursday morning, following a long and drawn-out court case that lasted nearly four years.

Judge Carla van Veenendaal sentenced Raymond Metz to eight years’ direct imprisonment for his role in the murder. Raymond, who repeatedly stabbed Lotz with a knife, testified that he had experienced a kind of epileptic seizure and could not remember much.

Lindi Falch, the mother of the Metz brothers, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. She had accompanied her sons to the deceased’s home that night, and evidence during the case suggested that she had allegedly incited her sons.

Shane Metz, the oldest brother, led the physical attack on Lotz and injured his shoulder during the altercation. He was sentenced to eight years in prison and had made a determined effort to take the victim down during the attack.

Simon Anton ‘Babatjie’ Metz, the youngest of the brothers, who was only 17 years old at the time of the murder, received a five-year prison sentence. In her ruling, Judge Van Veenendaal noted that he had withdrawn from the fight after sustaining a cut to his hand.

On the charge of intentional property damage, Van Veenendaal ordered that all four accused jointly pay R2 000 for the repair of the deceased’s fence, which belongs to his life partner Johannes Mathys Wynand Willemse.

On an additional charge of cruelty to animals, no order was made, as no application was brought for a summary investigation and judgment.

Two of Lotz’s dogs died from injuries sustained during the brutal attack – they had merely tried to protect their owner.

Although the state had asked for the minimum sentence for murder (life imprisonment, or 25 years), Van Veenendaal deviated from this, citing unique circumstances that outweighed public outrage and justified a lighter sentence.

Van Veenendaal emphasised that the court, with this judgment, did not intend to set a precedent regarding sentencing for murder.

Advocate David Molokomme represented the state.

Leana Augustyn represented the Metz brothers and their mother.

This is a developing story. More information will follow.