Trio Handed Life Sentences for Contract Killing of Pakistani Shop Owner in Eastern Cape
Murder-for-Hire Plot Ends in Life Imprisonment for Three Men
A carefully planned murder-for-hire scheme that ended in the fatal shooting of a Pakistani shop owner in the Eastern Cape has resulted in three men being sentenced to life imprisonment.
The Gqeberha Regional Court sentenced Kirsten Johannes (24), Justin Johannes (29) and Daviton Brown (23) to life behind bars for the murder of businessman Mamun Hosain, who was gunned down inside his shop in what prosecutors described as a targeted and premeditated killing.
The trio were also convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. Brown received an additional conviction for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Chilling Attack Inside Loerie Mini Market
According to Eastern Cape National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Luxolo Tyali, the fatal attack took place on 22 October 2024 at the Loerie Mini Market in Loerie, near Humansdorp.
Evidence presented in court revealed that another Pakistani national had allegedly hired the three men to kill Hosain.
On the day of the murder, the accused travelled together to the shop and parked outside the premises. Justin Johannes allegedly handed a firearm to Kirsten Johannes and Brown before instructing them to carry out the attack.
The pair then entered the store where Kirsten Johannes shot Hosain three times.
Even after the businessman had been fatally wounded, the violence did not end there.
Brown proceeded to remove a till from the shop before both men fled the scene and escaped in a getaway vehicle driven by Justin Johannes.
The killing sent shockwaves through the local community and highlighted the dangers faced by many foreign-owned businesses operating across South Africa.
Public Tip-Offs Helped Crack the Case
The breakthrough came after members of the public who witnessed the incident provided crucial information to police investigators.
Their assistance enabled law enforcement officials to trace and arrest the suspects, ultimately helping secure the convictions.
Senior State Advocate Benedict Wilson led the prosecution on behalf of the State.
During sentencing proceedings, Wilson argued that the court should impose a sentence reflecting the seriousness of the crimes and the devastating impact of the murder.
The investigating officer also testified in aggravation of sentence, supporting the State’s call for severe punishment.
Court Delivers Heavy Sentences
The court imposed the following sentences:
- Life imprisonment for murder for all three accused.
- Fifteen years’ imprisonment each for unlawful possession of a firearm.
- Five years’ imprisonment each for unlawful possession of ammunition.
- An additional 15 years’ imprisonment for Brown for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The court further declared all three men unfit to possess firearms in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.
NPA Praises Investigators
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in the Eastern Cape, Advocate Samkelo Mtwana, welcomed the outcome and praised the police officers who worked tirelessly on the investigation.
“I must commend Warrant Officer Sokanyile, Warrant Officer Peta, and the other police officers who formed part of the investigation. Their hard work and dedication cannot go unnoticed. They were involved in this matter from beginning to end,” said Mtwana.
He added that successful collaboration between prosecutors and investigators remains essential in bringing violent offenders to justice and making communities safer.
“When we work together as a team, we can bring criminals to book and make our communities safer places to live without fear,” he said.
Justice for a Murdered Businessman
The sentencing marks the conclusion of a case that exposed a disturbing murder-for-hire plot and ended with the loss of a local businessman whose life was cut short inside his own shop.
For Hosain’s family, friends and the wider community, the life sentences represent a significant step towards justice for a crime that shocked the Eastern Cape.
