By OBAKENG MAJE
Ethiopian man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Lichtenburg Regional Court for murder and extra 15 years on each of the two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances. On 9 May 2018, Abebe Ergicho (37) entered a Shell Garage in Lichtenburg and went to the cashier to order some items. While Ergicho waiting for his order, Francois Swart, who is the deceased together with his friend, entered the shop to make a purchase.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, a few moments later, Ergicho pulled out a gun and pointed it at the cashier. Mamothame further said he then turned and approached Swart.
“He shot him at point blank without uttering a word. Ergicho then turned the gun to Swart’s friend and robbed him of his wallet and car keys. He subsequently took off with the car and items he had ordered.
“The car was later discovered abandoned near Verdwaal village. He was arrested on 17 December 2020 and denied bail. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and he once tried to flee in court during trial, but the police managed to contain him,” he said.
Mamothame added that court further declared Ergicho unfit to possess a firearm.
In aggravation of sentence, the state prosecutors, Adv Itumeleng Boikanyo and Adv Joyce Maseko, urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment as there were no compelling circumstances to do so.
Magistrate Stefan Du Toit agreed with the state as he imposed a life imprisonment to Ergicho, citing his remorseless conduct.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the prosecution team, Captain Michael Viljoen from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other role players for ensuring that the perpetrator is brought to book.
The Guardian 