While the Western Cape High Court heard of the financial implications the murder of Beatrice Manuel had on Shoprite, the state emphasised that the incident was motivated by greed.
In the pre-sentencing proceedings which took place in the Western Cape High Court, seated at the Worcester Magistrates’ Court on Monday, the state called Gillian de Graaf, the Shoprite Group’s data analyst as a final witness, to provide insight on the money spent on ensuring employee safety as well as the safety measures put in place to safeguard its premises.
De Graaf presented a report detailing the incidents which affected the group in the 2018-2022 financial years, with the fateful incident which took place in June 2019 at Zwelethemba Shoprite being the most serious one.
She told the court of the trauma the employees suffered, which cost the company money as they make use of external trauma counselling.
They have increased safety at their stores, which is also costly to the company.
As De Graaf related this information in a packed court, Manuel’s husband, Arnold Manuel, frequently buried his face in the palm of his hands as he wiped the tears which rolled down his cheeks.
The court was filled by mostly Shoprite’s representatives and some members of the community as they anticipated sentencing, which was announced to take place today (25 August).
The defence asked the court to consider the accused’s time in custody, each of their roles in the crime as well as the fact that two of the accused are fathers and the role they need to play in their children’s lives.
The defence further asked for their sentences to run concurrently.
The state argued that not imposing the minimum sentence would give the impression that the life of a person is cheap.
It was further argued that the accused were greedy as they were all employed at the time.
“The accused were adamant to push through with the deed because after the shooting, they proceeded to rob the store of cash and cigarettes,” says Adv Ntsoake Mabilietse.
To counter the defence, Mabilietse highlighted that the Manuel family lost a mother and wife and have also suffered financially.
She further highlighted the damage caused by the murder and told the court of a former employee who is wheelchair bound, due to the incident.
“The state requests that minimum sentences be applied. I ask that you please look through my submissions, my Lord,” she concluded.
