Heila Killian murder: Judgement handed down

Update

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Judgement in the murder trial of Heila Kilian (63) was handed down in the George Circuit High Court earlier today, Friday 10 December.

This follows final heads of argument that were delivered in court on Thursday 30 September.

Out of the five accused, Sakhumzi Benya, Nkoshihethu Nocuza, Msomi Nikani, Monwabisi Maki and Xolusani Myoyi, only Benya, Nikani and Maki decided to testify in the case.

All of them vehemently denied having anything to do with Kilian's murder or having any knowledge of the events that occurred on the night of the murder, 16 April 2018, on the farm Gazania near Stilbaai.

Kilian was shot through the heart and died while she was enjoying a braai with her sister Brenda and brother-in-law David Thomas during a visit to the farm. Her family members were tied up and beaten in an ordeal that lasted two hours.

The perpetrators ransacked the house and fled in a white Toyota Hilux bakkie that belonged to the Thomases, taking an undisclosed amount of cash and firearms.

It was however only accused number five, Xolusani Myoyi, who was found not guilty and acquitted of all charges against him.

According to Judge Lister Nuku, there was not enough evidence to link Myoyi to the murder.

The other four accused were all found guilty on the charge of murder, three charges of aggravated robbery, one of illegal possession of a firearm and one charge of illegal possession of ammunition.

They were all acquitted on a charge of malicious damage to property.

Read more in next week's George Herald and online.

The five accused in court today.