Farm murder: Life in jail for man who tortured, killed Anneke and Hennie Claassen
The High Court in Polokwane has sentenced 29-year-old Christopher Mgiba to life imprisonment for multiple charges, including housebreaking and theft, attempted murder, arson, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and the double murder of Anneke Claassen, 76, and her friend Hendrik Claassen, 77.
The two victims lived at the national monument Echo Caves in Ohrigstad, a popular tourist venue situated on a farm in the Sekhukhune district in Limpopo. Anneke was the owner of the hotel at the Klimfonteinhoek Farm, which is known for its Echo Caves, a famous getaway for local residents.
Anneke and Hendrik Claassen were brutally tortured and murdered on the farm in June 2023. Following the torture, the two were left for dead at the farm, after being set alight.
At the time, IOL reported that staff and visitors alerted authorities about the fire at around 1 pm on the tragic day.
Following Mgiba’s sentencing, provincial police spokesperson in Limpopo, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said the killer had previously raided the farm.
“The court noted that on 1 September 2022, the accused broke into the place, took safe keys, the register, and cash. The stolen property amounted to the value of R13,000,” said Ledwaba.
Mgiba was linked to the criminal incident during the thorough investigation.
After a year of hiding, the wanted Mgiba came back to the farm, intending to commit a robbery.
“He brutally attacked and killed the deceased man and woman (Hendrik and Anneke Claassen) who were owners of the business, with a sharp object and also torched their business on 3 June 2023 during the day,” said Ledwaba.
Police opened cases of housebreaking and murder. Mgiba was later identified and located at Tembisa, in Gauteng province, where he was arrested.
In court, the investigation team successfully opposed Mgiba’s bail application. He was remanded in custody throughout the trial until the matter was finalized on Wednesday.
Among the several sentences, Mgiba got two life sentences, which will run concurrently.
Meanwhile, provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has applauded the meticulous investigation by the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Justice Mogotla Mantswane, “for his diligent work”.
Hadebe also saluted other role players who contributed to the court outcome.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News