Frans Cornelius Vermeulen, 25, was sentenced to eight years in prison for strangling and murdering his father’s fiancée on their property in Prieska, Northern Cape, South Africa.
On Friday, October 13, 2023, the Kimberley High Court sentenced and convicted Vermeulen to 12 years in prison for the murder of Sharifa Brown, 27, with four years suspended for five years.
Vermeulen, then 17, was engaged in a fight with his father’s girlfriend, Sharifa Brown, 27, at the time of the event.
“Vermeulen strangled Brown and shot her four times with a.22 rifle, and she died on the scene,” police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock, said.
“The incident occurred on May 21, 2016, at around 9 p.m. and Vermeulen was arrested on the same day and later received bail,” Kock said.
Kock further added that Vermeulen was found guilty in the Kimberley High Court and sentenced on October 12, 2023, to 12 years for the murder, of which four years are suspended for five years.
Meanwhile, Major General Nomana Mtukushe commended Warrant Officer Marshal Bosman and all detectives of Prieska SAPS who assisted with investigations for their hard work and dedication that led to this sentence.
“Gender-based violence and Femicide (GBVF) cannot be tolerated and perpetrators thereof must be brought to justice,” Mtukushe said.