The state called for a life sentence for former Teazers co-owner Michael Jackson in the Cape High Court on Thursday after he was found guilty of killing street child Xolani Zodwana.
Jackson shot dead the child after closing shop at the strip club in Cape Town on a Saturday morning in May 2004. He believed the child was responsible for smashing the driver’s window of his luxury car parked outside the club.
Prosecutor Esna Erasmus contended the slaying was premeditated, calling for the prescribed life sentence.
However, the defence team, advocates Manne Witz and Caryl Verrier, contended that the shooting happened on the spur of the moment.
If the court rules the murder was not premeditated, a 15-year minimum sentence becomes applicable, unless the court agrees that there are substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a sentence less than 15 years.
Jackson appeared before Judge Dumisani Zondi and assessors Bob Martin and Brahmi Padayachi.
The judge had first postponed the case for sentencing to May 2, but while the court adjourned briefly for new bail conditions to be put in writing, Zondi decided to finish the case on Friday instead.
Jackson, who was out on bail, was taken to Pollsmoor Prison and will be returned to court on Friday at 2.15pm to be sentenced. — Sapa