The man accused of the murder and robbery of 78-year-old Paddy Orpen from Cradock was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Themba Sindaphi (42) heard his fate in the Grahamstown High Court earlier today, April 16.
According to police spokesperson Captain Lariane Jonker this followed the aggravating robbery and brutal murder of Orpen from the farm Morgenson in the Cradock policing precinct on May 5, 2020.
“During the robbery Orpen’s Ford Ranger bakkie was also
taken and found deserted and burned at the nearby bushes in the Industrial area
of Cradock,” said Jonker.
“The accused was arrested after which the case was
transferred to the Grahamstown High Court.”
Jonker said Sindaphi was found guilty and was
charged and sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and another 18 years for
robbery.
“The sentences of robbery will run concurrent to the life
sentence of murder,” said Jonker.
The Station Commander of Cradock Police Station, Colonel
Ruth Slater, commended the Investigation Officer, Constable Siyabonga Ntsimango
for his dedication and perseverance during the investigation of this case, “which ensured that the perpetrator of such a violent crime was removed from
society for a long time”.
