Murderer Sarrel Petrus Du Plessis in court as the sentence was handed down
By Kopano Dibakwane
All may be done in darkness abut will catch up with you, Sarrel Petrus Du Plessis (53) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court in Middleburg, on Tuesday 25 June, for the murder of Bhekimuzi Ziko(14).
According to a statement by Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, Ziko was killed at a farm in Kamhlushwa, within Nkomazi in 2018.
Ziko was reportedly alongside his brother and his friends who managed to escape during the incident.
“ The court heard how the accused, who was employed as a security guard, fatally shot the minor victim, using an unlicensed firearm. He further tried to kill those that were together with Bhekimuzi, however, he failed as they ran for their lives,” said Mdhluli.
He furthermore stated that Du Plessis, who remained in custody since his arrest on 8 December 2018, was found guilty on 20 June 2024.
According to Mdhluli, Du Plessis was also sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for attempted murder, another 10 years imprisonment for attempted murder, 5 years imprisonment for possession of an unlicensed firearm, 3 years imprisonment for possession of unlicensed ammunition and all counts will run concurrently with the life sentence. In addition, Du Plessis was also declared unfit to posses a firearm.
The Acting Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General- Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the sentence and held a view that it will serve as a deterrence to others who might consider emulating the actions of the accused.
“ The subject regarding firearms is a concern to us because these weapons are often used in the commission of violent crimes. We hope that this sentence will somehow bring closure to the victim’s family,” said Mkhwanazi.
