By Delicious Mathuthu
South Africa – Three Zimbabwean nationals have been sentenced to two life terms each for two counts of murder by the Pretoria High Court after shooting to death two girls and injuring another in Olievenhoutbosch, South Africa.
The trio, Edison Ngamiko (38), Amos Hassan Masiya (38) and Edron Panashe Chisanako (39), additionally received 10 years direct imprisonment each for attempted murder, and 12 months for being illegally in South Africa.
South African Police Services (SAPS) say on February 17, 2023, at Mashanganeng Tavern in Olievenhoutbosch the trio gave three young girls aged 15, 16 and 23 R60 to buy alcohol.
Later as the girls left, Chisanako demanded sex from the 15-year-old and 16-year-old.
He then took out a gun and shot the 16-year-old in the neck when she refused, before shooting the other two girls multiple times, killing them at the scene.
The 16-year-old survivor, who crawled home and reported the incident, is reportedly still experiencing traumatic flashbacks and pain from her injuries.
Police investigations led to the arrest of Ngamiko, Masiya, and Chisanako, with the latter however denying any involvement.
South African Prosecutor, Advocate David Molokomme, presented compelling evidence in court leading to the convictions.
In a statement, the South African National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentencing, emphasizing its commitment to combating gender-based violence and protecting citizens’ safety.
