Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Zithulele Dladla, commended the swift investigation and sentencing of a murder-accused in the Gqeberha High Court on Wednesday, October 11.
Simxolele Zitshu (31) pleaded guilty to charges of housebreaking with intent to steal, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and murder of physiotherapist, Marolien Schmidt (40). On Wednesday, August 9, 2023, Schmidt was found by her neighbours after they heard screams coming from her home in Richmond Hill. She sustained multiple stab wounds and succumbed to her injuries on arrival at the hospital. The motive for the murder was robbery.
The accused was arrested during the early hours of August 10 and appeared in court on August 14. He remained in custody until his sentencing.
Last Wednesday he was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to steal, 20 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, and life imprisonment for murder. The other sentences will run concurrently with the life sentence.
Dladla lauded the investigating officer, Detective Constable Ridwaan Baatjies, for the meticulous investigation and speedy finalisation of the case.
“The SAPS welcomes the conviction and sentencing, and applauds the dedicated work carried out by the investigating officer in securing a life sentence for the murder-accused. His relentless effort and commitment to justice is commendable, and it serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment by our members in ensuring that the wheels of justice continue to turn for criminals,” added Dladla.
