Justice at last for slain paraplegic

The family of a slain paraplegic man is relieved after it emerged that three of his former employees would finally be tried for his murder – more than three years after the killing.

The trial of Zimbabwean nationals Pfigamani Perfect Muleya and Jeffery Mpofu, and their co-accused, Owen Gumbo, is expected to start in the High Court in Johannesburg before Judge Maletsatsi Mahalelo next week.

They face charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, the unlawful possession of a firearm and the unlawful possession of ammunition.

Muleya, Mpofu and Gumbo were arrested in 2018 after they allegedly fled to Zimbabwe following the brutal killing of 41-year-old, wheelchair-bound Randburg resident, Graeme Shellerd, in 2016.

It is alleged that the three used a blunt object to bludgeon him over his head on June 4, 2016. He died on the scene.

The accused also allegedly assaulted Shellerd’s girlfriend, Leigh Champman.

Shellard’s body was then dragged into a garage and set alight.

According to an article by Zimbabwe’s state-run Chronicle, the accused were to be extradited to South Africa to face court proceedings.

They were sent back earlier this year.

The trial, which was meant to start yesterday, was postponed to next Tuesday. It is expected to run for five days.

Speaking outside court yesterday, Shellerd’s sister Carin said it has been a long journey for the family. She added they were happy the trial would go ahead. – News24 Wire