The Brits community and South Africa will remember the reign
of terror that besieged that town during March and June 2014. During these few
months, five people were killed, endless
robberies among farmers and a wave of panic caused havoc. A 44-year-old man was
shot while at a family gathering, and his brother sustained serious
injuries that almost paralyzed him.
There was the vicious attack on a family that resulted in the death of
the 55-year-old. While visiting a farm in
the Brits area, a 70-year-old was fatally shot. These are some of the horrendous
crimes committed during a three-month
period.
The killers Paulus Mandlazi, a 26-year-old and his accomplice, John Tivane, a 31-year-old from Mozambican
were responsible for terrorizing the Brits residents. Fortunately, the police caught up with the thugs during their last
robbery and killing spree and stayed behind bars until their trial.
During the court proceedings this week, Mandlazi said it was
his hatred of whites that caused him to rob and kill them, and that white
people attacked him. The Judge did not accept his statement and told him that
it was done out of greed. There was no
remorse and Mandlazi described his crimes as just going to work. Mandlazi
received a total of five life sentences and a further 195 years for other charges.
Some of the sentences will run concurrently. Mandlazi,
a young man with a distinct hatred toward white people, in his heart,
will now have plenty of time to reflect on his
disgraceful criminal activities.
Partner in crime, John Tivane,
cried bitterly while testifying and
denied any involvement in the crimes. However,
he was found guilty and sentenced to three life terms and over 100 years
in prison for his criminal involvement in
the Brits murders.
So many people were affected by the vicious attacks that
have scarred them for life. Two more dangerous offenders
and farm murderers are locked up yet, the killings continue. Farm murders are
one of the most frequent and horrendous crimes plaguing South Africa. A farmer
is more likely to be attacked and killed than a police officer who is
surrounded by danger most of the time.
Laura Oneale - published on South Africa Today – South Africa News
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