Two Men Sentenced to Prison for Murder of Elderly Hiker

by
1 min read
Murder of Elderly Hiker

Hefty Sentences Handed Down in Western Cape Circuit High Court

Two men accused of the murder of a 66-year-old hiker in the Western Cape have been sentenced to prison by the Circuit High Court in Swellendam. John Lee Bron, aged 20, and his accomplice, Jacobus Simon Skondo, aged 26, were arrested shortly after the body of Erna Gericke was found along a hiking trail on March 21, 2021.

Victim Reported Missing by Husband

Sergeant Christopher Spies, a spokesman for the provincial police, said that Gericke had gone for a walk on a climbing trail at about 2:00 p.m. the day before. She had left her Citroen car in the parking lot near Rondomskrik. Her husband called the police when she didn’t come home from her usual walk.

Search Party Discovers Body

A large-scale search was started right away by several police units and neighborhood people. Early on Monday, March 21, 2021, search party members found Gericke’s badly hurt body about 5 to 6 kilometers into the Waterfall Hiking Trail.

Arrests and Sentences

Bron and Skondo were arrested shortly after each other. The spare keys of Gericke’s Citroen C1 were found in possession of one of the suspects, linking them to the theft of the motor vehicle. Further investigation led to the recovery of a firearm and ammunition stolen during a burglary.

Bron was given a term of 38 years in jail. This included three years for breaking into a house and stealing, three years for stealing a car, ten years for having a gun without a license, two years for having ammunition without a license, and 20 years for murder. Skondo was given three years in prison for stealing a car, 18 years for rape, and 20 years for murder, for 41 years in jail.

Western Cape Police Commissioner’s Response

Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, the head of the Western Cape Police, was happy with the punishments and praised the investigators for their hard work, which led to the arrests of Bron and Skondo and their convictions. “We’re happy with the heavy terms given in this case. We hope it will stop other possible crooks from doing the same thing,” Patekile said.

The sentencing of Bron and Skondo for the murder of Erna Gericke has been met with approval from the Western Cape Police Commissioner. The Circuit High Court’s decision to hand down harsh sentences in Swellendam serves as a reminder that justice will be done for those who commit heinous crimes.

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Sauerkraut.
Previous Story

Determined graduate overcomes adversity to improve food security with sauerkraut

Awara Restaurant
Next Story

Awara Restaurant: A Multi-Cuisine Dining Experience in Cape Town

Latest from Blog

psl kaizer chiefs

The Premier Soccer League Showdown: Kaizer Chiefs vs. Sundowns

Get ready for the Premier Soccer League showdown between Kaizer Chiefs and the Sundowns. The Chiefs face a defensive dilemma due to a suspension and injury predicament that could shake their defence. With pressure mounting, the Chiefs will need to navigate the challenge with tactical acumen and athletic tenacity to secure a victory.

water conservation community collaboration

A Testament to Teamwork: The Hout Bay Rivers Catchment Forum’s Crusade for Water Conservation

The Hout Bay Rivers Catchment Forum is a shining example of community collaboration and teamwork. They work towards improving the health of the catchment area and conserving water by fostering cooperation among various stakeholders. In addition to monitoring and reporting pollution, the forum also provides valuable strategic contributions to find solutions. Their combined efforts with the City have resulted in the creation of the Hout Bay Pollution Abatement Strategy and Action Plan, which has already shown promising results in improving water quality. Friends of the Rivers of Hout Bay also play a vital role in eliminating litter and waste from the river, providing employment to locals and promoting sustainability. Overall, the HBRCF’s journey is one of collaboration, persistence, and sustainable solutions that can inspire other communities to make a difference.

extortion cape town

A Sinister Underbelly: Extortion Threatens Cape Town’s Stability

Extortion has become a profitable way for criminal organizations to amass wealth in Cape Town, with a significant growth in the illegal extortion market due to the Covid19 pandemic. Victims are often too afraid to speak out, exacerbating the situation. Cape Town has initiated several initiatives to combat the crisis, but a comprehensive approach is needed to restore faith and confidence in the city. Recent investigations have revealed the sinister reality hidden beneath the city’s scenic charm, with construction mafias posing a persistent threat to municipal projects.

rugby japan

Kwagga Smith: A Rugby Icon Boosting the Game in Japan

Kwagga Smith is a South African rugby player who is currently playing for the Shizuoka Blue Revs in Japan. He has been instrumental in boosting the growth of rugby in Japan, with the sport’s popularity reflected in substantial game turnouts. Despite enticing offers from other countries, Smith chose to remain loyal to the Shizuoka Blue Revs due to the favorable balance between club and international rugby that Japan offers. His personal journey is a testament to the rise of rugby in Japan and his unwavering pursuit of passion.

south africa umkhonto wesizwe party

Unsettling Developments Unearthed in South African Political Scene

Allegations of signature forgery have rocked South Africa’s Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, initiated by former President Jacob Zuma, causing uncertainty over its leadership and impact on upcoming elections. The forgery operation allegedly involved illegally obtaining personal information from the Cape Metro Council’s database and using it to fabricate signatures. The revelations coincide with Zuma’s decision to oust highranking party members, adding fuel to the fire of discord within the party.