The Worcester Regional Court has sentenced two murderers from Worcester, Western Cape, to lengthy prison terms after they were found guilty of setting fire to their partners.
Also read: Cape Town calls for visa reform, port efficiency and manufacturing support
In the first case, Ruiter Erasmus admitted to the claims against him.
He killed his partner, Monica Daniels.
The acting regional court prosecutor, Amisha Ratantjie, told the court that Erasmus and the deceased were life partners.
The court heard that on the day of the incident, 12 October 2022, the couple was bickering at their Shrike Street home in Avian Park, Worcester, about money that the deceased’s son sought.
Family and neighbours noticed smoke rising from the house and went to investigate. Daniels was certified dead at the spot, and Erasmus turned himself in to authorities.
Find you perfect set of wheels with these incredible deals on cars for under 100k. Find car listings here.
Ratanjie argued that Erasmus was in a position of trust, and the deceased relied on him for her well-being, love, and protection. He instead acted in a brutal, callous, and violent way. She argued that the heinous nature of the offence cannot be reduced to the point where it justifies deviating from the court’s discretionary powers.
The court deviated from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment because Erasmus was a first-time offender and did not subject the deceased’s family or witnesses to a lengthy trial.
Erasmus was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
In the second case, Richard Samuels pleaded guilty to the murder of his wife, Valencia Samuels, in the same court.
The court heard that on 15 January 2022, the couple argued at their home on Oktober Street in Roodewal, Worcester, after his wife confronted Samuels about an extramarital affair.
The court heard that Samuels became enraged with his wife and began yelling and cursing at her. He then doused her in petrol and set her on fire. She was taken to the hospital, but died of her injuries ten days later. The court also heard that the incident occurred in the presence of the couple’s 14-year-old son.
Samuels was arrested and charged with attempted murder, which was later amended to murder.
He was sentenced to fifteen years in prison.
Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, advocate Nicolette Bell, praised the investigation and prosecution team while condemning the level of gender-based violence and femicide in both cases.
She reaffirmed the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) commitment to fighting gender-based violence and femicide to the fullest extent of its powers.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Looking for things to do in the city, at half the price? Get exclusive offers here.
Also read:
Two people die as fire rips through crowded backyard in Strand
Picture: Pixabay/ Pexels