Four men sentenced for killing Egyptian businessman, robbing him of R122,500 in Springbok
Four men have been sentenced for fatally shooting an Egyptian businessman after robbing him R122,500. Picture: Screengrab
By Sinenhlanhla Masilela
THE SPRINGBOK High Court sentenced two Botswana nationals and two South African men for fatally shooting Khalil Lofty Ghazy, an Egyptian businessman, outside the “Kekkel en Kraai” shop in Springbok.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said Ditiro Brooks, 28, and Rapaleng Brooks, 27, who are siblings from Botswana, and Kgagamatso Mokoding, 42, and Ohentse Bless, 30, were sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for murder, 18 years imprisonment for robbery and five years imprisonment for the illegal possession of ammunition and a firearm. The sentences will run concurrently.
Ehlers said that on February 1, 2021, the men carried out a well-orchestrated robbery. After arming themselves with firearms they then confronted Ghazy on the fateful day and robbed him of R122,500 before fatally shooting him.
They fled the scene in a rented car and took refuge in a tavern belonging to a co-accused, Thamsanqa Khaum, who is now deceased.
"Prompt action by the South African Police Service led to their apprehension. The stolen money was recovered and the firearms were found in the vehicle's boot," said Ehlers.
One of the men, Bless, was arrested at a roadblock in Kathu.
The accused were all denied bail and remained in custody until sentencing.