Illegal Zimbabwean gets 15 years in prison in South Africa for murder of fellow countryman
A Zimbabwean man living illegally in South Africa has been jailed for 15 years after murdering a fellow Zimbabwean with a stone during a dispute over a lost mobile phone in Pretoria. Leonard Khoza (42) threw a rock at Aluvisi Verengere (also from Zimbabwe) on 4 February 2023, which fractured the skull.
The Pretoria North Magistrates Court in South Africa also gave Khoza an additional two years in prison for breaking immigration laws. The sentences will run at the same time. Once he serves his time, Khoza will be deported out of the country back to Zimbabwe.
Two Zimbabweans in South Africa: Deadly dispute over a lost phone
The horrific incident unfolded behind the Virgin Active gym in Wonderboom, South Africa. On the evening of 4 February 2023, a group of Zimbabwean citizens had gathered. Some people were playing cards. The rest of the people were drinking alcohol. Suddenly Verengere realized that his phone was missing. He asked to search all the people present. Some people agreed. But Khoja and his two brothers said no.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), things then took a serious turn. Verengere announced that he would go and meet a traditional healer. He said that the sangoma would identify the thief and cast a spell on them. Then a fight started between two fellow Zimbabwean players.
“Following his denial, Verengere indicated that he would consult a traditional healer to identify and subdue the person responsible for taking his phone,” the NPA confirmed in a statement.
During the melee in South Africa, Khoza picked up a stone and threw it at his countryman Verengere. The rock hit his head directly. The victim collapsed on the spot and was declared dead at the scene.
Zimbabwean partner arrested in South Africa after five months
Khoza managed to avoid handcuffs for months. South African police eventually tracked him down and arrested him on 4 August 2023. This was about half a year after he allegedly murdered his fellow Zimbabwean. Since then he is behind the bars. In court, Khoza pleaded innocent. He even claimed that he was not even in South Africa when the murder took place. But the state had witnesses.
Regional court prosecutor Lufuno Manena brought two eyewitnesses who saw the entire incident. Their evidence blew apart Khoja's story. A South African court found him guilty of the murder of his fellow countryman.
South African judge says 'no remorse' over Zimbabwe-on-Zimbabwe murder
When it came time for sentencing, Khoza's lawyer pleaded with the South African court for leniency. The lawyer said that Khoja had no previous conviction. The defense wanted the judge to ignore the 15-year minimum sentence. But the prosecution fought hard.
“The State opposed this request, arguing that the crime was serious and that Khoza showed no remorse, as he continued to deny responsibility even after being convicted,” the NPA said.
Magistrate Peter Knell agreed with prosecutors. They ruled that Khoza had no remorse for the murder of his fellow Zimbabwean. The South African magistrate found no solid or compelling reason to impose a lighter sentence. He sentenced Khoza to a full 15-year sentence for murder and two years for living illegally in Mzansi.
“The court ordered that the sentences will run concurrently and that Khoza will be deported to his country of origin upon completion of his sentence.”
The NPA welcomed the results. Khoza will now face almost two decades in a South African prison before being deported back to Zimbabwe.