KEY POINTS
- The Gauteng couple received life sentences for the murder of an elderly man.
- CCTV footage played a pivotal role in securing the couple’s conviction.
- Stolen items linked the couple to the crime scene, leading to their arrest.
A Gauteng couple was recently sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a 93-year-old man.
Pranavan Moodley, 32, and his wife, Samantha, 34, were convicted of robbing and fatally assaulting Yetsee Chan at his Edenvale home. The sentence was handed down by the South Gauteng High Court after a thorough investigation.
Investigation reveals gruesome details of the crime
On September 23, 2020, a shocking incident unfolded in Edenvale when a son discovered his father severely injured at home. The elderly Chan was left alone after his son went to the bank, leaving the gate open.
When the son returned, he found his father tied up in the passage and severely beaten. Despite efforts to get him medical attention, Chan passed away shortly after being rushed to the hospital.
An autopsy revealed the brutal nature of the attack, indicating that the cause of death was severe head and cervical spine injuries. Further investigation uncovered evidence linking the couple to the crime. Stolen items from Chan’s house were found at a pawn shop in Benoni, which played a crucial role in identifying the perpetrators.
CCTV evidence seals the couple’s conviction
During the trial, the prosecution presented compelling circumstantial evidence, including CCTV footage. The footage clearly showed the couple entering and leaving the area where Chan’s house was located while his son was away.
According to IOL, this evidence was vital in proving the couple’s involvement in the crime. Senior State Advocate Maro Papachristoforou presented the footage to the court, which deemed it admissible, leading to the couple’s conviction.
The court found that the evidence against the couple was overwhelming, and both were sentenced to life imprisonment. Moodley also received an additional 15-year sentence for robbery with aggravating circumstances, while Samantha was sentenced to 12 years for her role in the crime.
