Life in prison for duo who killed young couple in Putfontein
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has applauded the two life terms handed down to two convicted murderers.
The Benoni Regional Court earlier convicted Melusi Gift Shima (26) and 35-year-old Ishmael Hlabathi on a charge of premeditated murder.
NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana says the two shot and killed a young couple in 2019.
“On 26 May 2019, the couple, Johanco Fleischman (19) and Jessica Kuhn (21) were driving a bakkie with two passengers, when they ran out of fuel at the Putfontein off-ramp.
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“The couple was approached by the pair who shot them dead.”
Mahanjana says the two were subsequently arrested with the help of a witness.
“They were arrested from their homes on 19 June 2020, and have been in custody since after NPA successfully opposed bail for the who pair pleaded not guilty to killing the couple.
“In their victim impact statement, Kuhn’s parents stated that ever since the killing of their daughter, they have been diagnosed with depression and are taking medication to cope. The mother said she is scared to drive in case the car stops on the side of the road.”
The court also heard that the parents fear they will no longer have children to look after them, as Kuhn’s two brothers want to immigrate due to safety concerns.
