The Pretoria High Court on Monday sentenced Andrew Jordaan to life imprisonment for the murder of seven-year-old Sheldean Human.
Handing down judgement, acting Judge Chris Eksteen also sentenced Jordaan to three years’ imprisonment for her kidnapping and 10 years for her attempted rape. Jordaan further got five years for indecently assaulting, and a further 15 for raping, Sheldean’s friend, in addition to three months for dagga possession.
Jordaan’s lawyer is to appeal the sentence.
”My instructions are that we should proceed with an appeal,” advocate Kgomotso Tlouane said outside the court.
Top cop Piet Byleveld said he was pleased with the outcome while Human’s grandfather said he was ”satisfied” with the sentencing.
Human’s mother, Elize, said she had expected a tougher sentence and that she was relieved that the matter had come to an end.
Last week, in his final argument before the court, state prosecutor Andre Fourie asked it to hand down two life-imprisonment sentences to Jordaan.
Fourie said Jordaan had acted in a premeditated manner in Human’s killing, and as a result he should be held responsible for his actions.
Referring to Sheldean as a ”soft target”, Fourie said a heavy sentence was necessary.
The defence argued that Jordaan could be rehabilitated as he is a first-time offender. — Sapa