Family and friends of student killed after leaving club welcome conviction of duo

THE conviction of the two men who beat Carl Schoombie to death after leaving a Claremont nightclub in 2015 was welcomed by friends and supporters of his family yesterday.

Western Cape High Court Judge Robert Henney found Brent Henry and Juane Jacobs guilty of the murder of the 27-year-old Stellenbosch University graduate.

Schoombie and his friends were travelling in an Uber taxi from Tiger Tiger Club when he was dragged out of the car and beaten, apparently for causing trouble at the club.

A pathologist who examined him likened his injuries to those of victims of motor vehicle crashes. He went into a coma on admission to hospital and died a few days later.

Henry and Jacobs chose not to testify and Judge Henney found they had acted with common cause.

Schoombie’s younger brother Lee, who started a Facebook group called Justice for Carl to garner support for the investigation, said it was a “bitter-sweet day”.

He said they were relieved. “You never know until judgment. This is the close of one chapter for us. It has been a very long and painful road.

“Now we will focus on the sentencing. We are taking it one day at a time. We are trying to move forward,” he said.

Messages of support posted after the conviction included well-wishes for the family and that justice prevailed in the judgment.

Linda Sutton wrote: “So pleased that justice is served. Bless you all in your path to healing after this horrific act and loss of your loved one.”

Charlene Jurgens said: “Justice is served. Closure in a way for Carl’s family. I pray for comfort and strength for your family always.”

Sentencing will be on April 18.

noloyiso.mtembu@inl.co.za